Janice R. Andrews
About 1,700 pupils at Fordley Primary School in Annitsford, North Tyneside, were impacted by the terrible ceiling collapse that caused four schools to close or partially close. The event, which happened on December 20 of last year, has prompted Grasmere Academy, Churchill Community College, and Hazelwood Primary School to conduct immediate inspections.
After prompt action by the authorities, about half of the affected students are now enrolled in remote courses. While some are now attending alternative schools, others are receiving their education at home. Notably, Jon Ritchie, Director of Resources at North Tyneside Council, states that the problem does not seem to be connected to Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Year 6 children from Fordley Primary School are now enrolled in North Gosforth Academy, while Year 4 and 5 students have been moved to Greenfields Primary. Hazlewood Primary School is still closed, while there are plans to investigate a possible partial reopening.
While higher year groups complete their education on campus, Year 7, 8, and 9 students attend Churchill Community College on a rotational basis. Grasmere Academy has changed its methodology, instructing some age groups in one-story structures while structural evaluations are ongoing.
Preliminary inspections at other schools prompted additional investigations, demonstrating the proactive nature of North Tyneside Council’s assessment of comparable construction problems around the Borough. Comprehensive structural evaluations are still in progress, and the Department of Education and the impacted schools are consulted when decisions about closures are made.
The safety of kids and staff is the top priority, even when closures are considered as a last resort. The affected schools and the council emphasize their dedication to ensuring the safety of every member of the school community while expressing gratitude to families for their understanding and patience during this difficult time.
