Yate school remains partially closed after blaze (From Gazette Series)

Yate school remains partially closed after blaze

10:40am Tuesday 28th February 2012 in News By Alexandra Womack

A PRIMARY school in Yate will remain partially closed this week after it was targeted by arsonists.

Parts of St Mary’s Primary School, on Church Road, were set ablaze in the early hours of Friday morning. Reception classrooms and an office were badly damaged, a Wendy house and lean-to wooden structure were burned to the ground and pupils’ outside play equipment was reduced to ash.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service is treating the blaze as suspicious and has launched an investigation.

The school has been closed to pupils since Friday but it was announced this morning that Years 3 and 4 will be able to return to lessons tomorrow (Wednesday).

In a message on the school’s website, headteacher Mary Baskerville said: "We can now confirm that the whole of the main school has suffered smoke contamination and will need detailed, specialist cleaning. We hope this will start on Wednesday once the insurance company has agreed the course of action.

"Unfortunately, on account of this, and the extent of the contamination, a speedy return to normal school life is not possible."

She added: "As the new block has not been affected we would like the year 3/4 children to return to school on Wednesday."

A school trip for Years 3 and 4 will go ahead on Thursday, when Years 5 and 6 children can attend school. Years 3 and 4 only can then come to lessons on Friday. Added Mrs Baskerville: "We are continuing to explore options to enable children to return to full-time education from Monday and will keep up to date – as soon as we know, you will know."

Teachers have been posting suggested lessons on the school’s website www.stmarysyate.co.uk. On Monday, parents of reception children organised lessons in a makeshift classroom at Yate Library and local companies including Morrisons and Greggs donated equipment and food.

Meanwhile, parents and staff at St Mary’s are appealing for any help to replace the lost toys and outdoor play equipment.