School Safety Closure

A SCHOOL in Hockley has been forced to close for the remainder of the academic year, following concerns over the safety of a building material in its roof.

In a letter sent out to parents, Hockley Primary School, in Chevening Gardens, confirmed that the Department of Education had concerns over the presence of a material called Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

This was used frequently in construction from the 1950s to the 1980s, but is now considered a safety risk.

When Hockley Primary School was built, Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete was used in the school ceiling.

In a letter to parents on June 8 David Jenkins, headteacher, wrote: “Yesterday, the Department for Education (DfE) 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.

“Very sadly, they have decided the school building is not safe to open.

“We appreciate this news will be very unsettling for everyone, but we must follow what the Department for Education is requiring us to do.”

In a bid to minimise disruption, the school has arranged for children to attend local schools.

Reception, Year 1 and 2 attend Plumberow Academy and Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 attend Greensward Academy.

Mr Jenkins added: “We are 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.

“Given the very short notice that we are having to put these plans in place, these arrangements will begin from June 19 until the end of the academic team, July 21.”

Mark Francois MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, said he remains confident children won’t lose out on their education, following the plans put in place by Mr Jenkins.

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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