Fire forces Essex school to close for repairs
Fairhouse Community Primary School in Basildon aims to reopen in two weeks
An Essex school is expected to be shut for two weeks after an electrical fire damaged parts of the building. Fairhouse Community Primary School in Basildon has been left without electricity following the fire on Wednesday (January 14).
The “small” fire broke out in an electrical cupboard at the school, and the blaze was put out within two hours, but small sections of the building have suffered fire and smoke damage and will need “urgent repairs.”
The school, which is part of the Berlesduna Academy Trust, has around 406 children on its roll. The trust says some children are being taught at another Basildon school, with work ongoing to arrange alternative education and arrangements for other children at the school.
A spokesman for Berlesduna Academy Trust also thanked Essex Fire Service and UK Power Networks for the support during “difficult circumstances.”
The spokesman added: ” When the fire started, the school enacted its emergency procedures and children and staff were safely evacuated from the building. Due to the school’s closure, we have made alternative arrangements for pupils’ education. Currently, Year 6 and vulnerable pupils are receiving face-to-face learning at nearby Cherry Tree Primary School, which is also part of the Berlesduna Trust.
“We are also arranging for Year 1 pupils to attend face-to-face learning at Cherry Tree, too. The rest of the school’s pupils are being provided with remote learning. The Trust is also making arrangements to support those pupils who are entitled to free school meals with alternative food provision.
“We are working closely with Essex County Council, which is providing advice and guidance to the school, in order to complete the required repairs as soon as possible. It is expected the school will be closed for two weeks while these are completed. We will continue to keep parents and carers updated directly.”