In a recent update to parents, a school announced that urgent repairs were needed in five classrooms and three other learning spaces before they could be safely used. Three other areas in the school, while not at immediate risk, will also require scheduled repairs during the school holidays. The school is currently working with the council to explore the use of temporary buildings or repurposing other spaces to accommodate students during this time. The school will remain closed for the week with remote learning in place starting tomorrow to ensure the safety of the students.
The urgent concerns identified during an inspection were related to the ceilings in several rooms, prompting the need for a thorough investigation of ceilings across the entire building. This has caused uncertainty regarding how many classes or year groups will be able to return right away. The school, which caters to children from Year 3 to Year 6, will be offering packed lunches for children entitled to free school meals and aims to provide a plan for the following week by Friday afternoon. The county council, following issues detected in Synergy Multi-Academy Trust’s schools, has called in surveyors to address the concerns about ceilings at Avenue Junior School and has closed the school as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the students.
Earlier in the month, Fakenham Junior School and Reepham Primary School had to close some classes at short notice due to structural problems with their ceilings. This issue has been attributed to ceilings made from lath and plaster, commonly used from the early 18th century through to the early to mid-20th century. Precautionary inspections have been commissioned at maintained schools built during that time where this material is present. Surveyors will be visiting a total of 27 schools, including Avenue Junior School, to address any potential safety concerns and take necessary actions to rectify these issues.
The cabinet member for children’s services, Penny Carpenter, has acknowledged that the safety of the students is the top priority and has assured parents that the necessary steps will be taken to address any structural issues. The council, in collaboration with the schools, will continue to keep parents informed on any actions that need to be taken to ensure the safety of the students. While the closures may cause inconvenience, the safety and well-being of the children must be prioritized, and steps are being taken to minimize the impact on their learning and daily routines. By working together with the council, schools are aiming to address these structural issues and ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
