Fakenham Junior School parents in uproar as pupils’ return delayed due to unsafe ceilings

Parents have been left in uproar after being told their children cannot return to school until next week.

Many have been left scrambling for extra childcare after being told that due to remedial work at Fakenham Junior School, some classrooms have been temporarily closed.

This follows a building condition survey carried out by the Synergy Multi-Academy Trust over the summer which led to concerns about ceilings in some of its rooms.

As a result, seven classrooms will be closed for between eight and ten weeks - and youngsters who form the Year 3 Tawny Owls and Little Owls classrooms will not be able to return to class until next Monday.

This is in order for staff to move and set up classroom equipment. Pupils had been due to return tomorrow (Wednesday), giving parents just one days’ notice to prepare.

A letter from executive head teacher Adam Mason seen by the Lynn News says: “Unfortunately, I am having to let you know some less than positive information.

“During the summer break, schools in Synergy Multi-Academy Trust had a building condition survey. At the end of last week, information was received raising concerns about the ceilings in some rooms at Fakenham Junior School.

“This is not a RAAC related issue. The decision has been made that as a precautionary measure, seven rooms will be closed until remedial work has been undertaken.

“This work will commence as soon as possible and it is hoped that the work can be completed in 8-10 weeks.”

RAAC is a form of lightweight concrete used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s. It is the main reason for the crumbling Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Lynn requiring a rebuild.

The after-school club at Fakenham Junior will also remain closed for the remainder of this week, not recommencing until next Monday. It will be housed in a classroom.

The before-school club’s start-up has been pushed back to this Thursday.

Parents have also been told that Year 4 classes will start tomorrow, but the two Year 5 groups will only return on Thursday.

Parents have taken to social media to express their frustration at the late notice, being given mere hours to organise alternative arrangements for their children.

Mr Mason’s letter added: “We are taking this action as a precautionary measure. As always, the health and safety of our children and our staff is paramount.

“On behalf of the school and the trust, we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Norfolk County Council, which is managing communications around the delayed restart, has been contacted for comment.