Padfield school forced to temporarily close

Padfield Community Primary School is expected to be closed until after the Easter holidays to allow damage to the roof of the school building to be assessed. 

The Rhodes Street school confirmed on Wednesday morning (24 March) that the building had to close to all staff and pupils, who would have to revert back to online learning from home. 

A surveyor has been carrying out an urgent inspection and the school thanked R.A.D. Mechanical Services Ltd in Hadfield for loaning some hard hats so that staff could get what they need from affected areas.

The school has been trying to find a suitable safe building for all pupils to use next week before they break up for the Easter holidays but to no avail.

They are still looking at the possibility of securing a building in Gamesley for the children of critical workers to attend next week. 

The school has apologised for any inconvenience caused to parents, guardians and carers. 

In a letter on the school's website on Thursday (25 March), head teacher Anne Moore said: "Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a suitable, safe building that the whole school can move into for the four days next week.

"There was only one building in the Glossop area that we could all fit into, but as this was on different floors and was also used by other groups we could not ensure the safety (including Covid safety) of our children.

"Therefore, next week, we will be continuing with remote learning and we will be increasing the amount of sessions (including live sessions for all classes) from Monday. In good news, we have been told that we should be able to reopen school straight after the Easter holiday so at least the disruption will be less than we originally thought.

"If you are a critical worker essential to the Covid response and absolutely need a place for your child for the four days next week, please can you let me know as soon as possible by email as we are trying to secure a building in Gamesley where the children of critical workers can attend next week." 

Padfield borough councillor Ollie Cross said: "It's a heartbreaking situation, especially after what folk have been through over the past year or so. It goes without saying, that it's distressing for parents, carers, pupils, staff alike. I've got everything crossed that the School will be able reopen again straight after the Easter holiday.

"Rest assured, Anne, the staff and everyone else involved with Padfield Community Primary School are all working extremely hard and will be doing everything possible over the next few days and weeks ahead." 

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