TEMPORARY classrooms have opened in a council building for King Edmund students after the discovery of asbestos.

The King Edmund School in Vaughan Close, Rochford, had to be closed due to the discovery of asbestos during Department of Education (DfE) works to build a new classroom block at the site.

As a result, pupils were told that the school would be closed until the new year as tests continue to be undertaken.

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Essex County Council (ECC), which is responsible for the school, is working closely with the Department of Education to ensure the asbestos is removed safely following strict guidelines. 

Students have currently been working from home until the work is completed.

However, Rochford Council has now stepped in to provide space in the recently re-opened Freight House until the school is ready to open again.

It will be available for use by teachers and around 30 pupils at any one time.

From this week children with special educational needs (SEND) will receive their education at the Freight House until the school is ready to accept pupils again. 

Councillor Simon Wootton, leader of Rochford District Council, said this will help lessen the disruption.

He said: “I am delighted that we were able to provide this resource and lessen the disruption in the education of these young people.

“I want to thank my staff in the Council and our partners in Fusion who worked so hard to prepare the spaces in the Freight House and ensure it was fit for purpose.” 

Jonathan Osborn, headteacher at King Edmund School, added how grateful they are.

He said: “On behalf of the school, I want to thank everyone involved in making this happen. 

“We are extremely grateful to Rochford District Council, as well as other partners, for the way they have supported us at speed to meet the needs of our students - it speaks volumes about the commitment of the council and its officers to the young people who attend the King Edmund School.”