Fakenham school parents told of ceiling safety concerns

Fakenham Junior School sent a letter to parents on Tuesday - a day before children were expected to be in its classrooms - advising them that safety measures would require some pupils to start their school year a few days later.

In the letter, Adam Mason, the headteacher, said building condition surveys at schools that are part of the Synergy Multi-Academy Trust were undertaken during the summer break. 

He said concerns were raised about the ceilings in some rooms at the Fakenham school last week.

Adam Mason has advised parents of the safety measures needed to address the ceiling concerns. (Image: Supplied)
As a result, seven rooms have had to close for remedial work to be planned and carried out.

While adjustments are made to accommodate the pupils who will be affected, those in year three will only start on September 9 and some of those in year five will start on September 5.

Mr Mason has said: "We have acted swiftly after receiving information about the integrity of some ceilings on the afternoon of Friday, August 30.

"The full extent of the issue was not clear until the end of Monday afternoon.

"The action is a precautionary measure with the school and the trust putting the health and safety of children and staff first.

"I am proud to say the staff at Fakenham Primary Federation are working hard to ensure they can offer the best possible start to the new school year for the children.

Those in year three and year five will be starting later than expected. (Image: Google Maps)
"Everyone understands the impact of this on children and families and we have worked hard to limit the disruption.

"The Schools and Synergy Multi-Academy Trust have offered their sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused."

Mr Mason added the crisis has required five classes to be re-roomed, in some cases using rooms that are not normally classrooms.

He said: "Two classes will now be starting the new school year on a different site and furniture and equipment needs to be moved and set up".

While some children may be thrilled about their extended holiday, some parents feel more frustrated. 

One parent from the school said: "It's not the fact that building work needs to be done, although it is bizarre that this wasn't attempted during the school holidays, it's the fact that as parents we have been given less than 24 hours notice to find alternative childcare."

It is hoped that work on the ceilings will be completed between eight and 10 weeks.