EARLIER this week it was confirmed that a school in Hockley was forced to close for the remainder of the school year after concrete in the roof was deemed “a risk to the safety of buildings”.
Here is everything we know about the situation:
In a letter sent out to parents on Thursday, Hockley Primary School, in Chevening Gardens, confirmed that the Department of Education had major concerns and advised them to close.
In a bid to avoid disruption, the school has arranged for children to attend Plumberow Academy or Greensward Academy.
According to the school – which is rated outstanding by Ofsted and is popular with parents – reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete was widely used as a building material from the 1950s until the 1980s but is now viewed as “a risk to the safety of buildings”.
When the school was built, reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete was used in the school ceiling.
A spokesman for the Academies Enterprise Trust – which oversees Hockley Primary School as well as Plumberow and Greensward – said: “On Wednesday. the Department for Education informed us that our school building will need to stay closed next week and for the rest of the school year due to their concerns over the presence of a building material called reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
“The Department for Education have been inspecting schools across the country to check on the presence of the material and to make an assessment of whether schools can continue to operate.
“Very sadly, in our case they have decided that the school building is not safe to open.
“We appreciate this news will be very unsettling for everyone, but clearly, we must follow what the Department for Education is requiring us to do.”
Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 will be going to Plumberow, while Year 3, 4, 5, and 6, will be going to Greensward.
A spokesman added: “Fortunately, as a large academy trust with a strong local presence, we have been able to work with our other local schools so that children who attend Hockley Primary School are able to continue their education this term.
“We are very fortunate that both sites are in such close proximity and are linked so that we can still have regular opportunities to bring the whole school together.
“These arrangements will be effective from 19 June, with children moving to remote learning as they did during Covid next week.
“We are absolutely determined to make this experience as positive as it can be for the children.”
Following the news, Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh, and Wickford met with the Melissa Heatherson, regional director for the Academy Enterprise Trust.
He admitted he was concerned when he heard the news, but after meeting with the trust, he remains confident children won’t lose out on their education.
However, Mr Francois adds that “this is not a long-term solution” and will be working with all associated bodies to find a viable solution.
He said: “I was obviously concerned, when I learnt on Thursday that Hockley Primary School was being closed because of structural issues in the building.
“I have since discussed this with Melissa Heatherson, who used to be the Head at Hockley for many years and who is now the Regional Director for the Academy Enterprise Trust, of which the school is now a part.
“I understand that plans are rapidly being put in place to provide lessons remotely next week and thereafter at either Plumberow Primary Academy or Greensward Academy, whilst the situation is being investigated so hopefully none of the children will lose out on their education.
“Nevertheless, this is clearly not a long-term solution and as the local MP, I will now be working very closely with Hockley Primary School, AET and indeed officials and, if necessary, Ministers at the Department for Education, to try and work out a viable long-term solution.”
A spokesman for the Department for Education added: “The safety of pupils and staff is paramount.
“The Department commissioned a survey at Hockley Primary School as part of the ongoing programme to assess schools where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete is present.
“The school will close from Monday June 12 following half term break and is making alternative arrangements for pupils’ learning.
“We are in regular contact with the school and the Academies Enterprise Trust to minimise the impact of this and ensure continuity of education for pupils.”
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