School Closed 17 January

Tuesday 18 January 2011

Regrettably we had to close the school early, after break, on Monday 17 January, owing to a burst water main which disrupted the water supply to the school and college and the residential area of Chesterton.

The problem was discovered when the school opened and, following initial consultation with Thames Water, we had hoped the engineers would be able to divert a supply to the school. Unfortunately, we subsequently received notification that this was not possible and were advised that the water was likely to be off for at least a further six hours.

The decision to close the school was not taken lightly. We considered a number of key factors, not least the health and safety of our pupils and staff. With over 1000 individuals within the school we need to ensure there is adequate sanitation and without a sustainable water supply we were unable to flush toilets or provide clean water for handwashing or for those pupils requiring first aid. Similarly, staff in the canteen were due to prepare food for both break and lunchtime and were seriously restricted in what they could produce without water. We were also aware that in the event of a fire, the fire crews would not be able to draw water from the hydrants.

We kept all members of staff aware of the situation and, once the decision had been made, briefed them on how we planned to evacuate the school. We sent a text message to parents advising them of the school closure and we are grateful to both Ellisons and Alexcars who provided school bus services at 11.45am. Registers were taken and tutors and members of our support staff team did their best to ensure pupils had permission to go home and could do so safely. We made arrangements for those who were unable to get home to be supervised in school for the remainder of the day. However, with the exception of a few, most pupils were off site by 12.25.

I apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, but reassure you that the circumstances were beyond our control. Prior to closing the school we completed a health and safety risk assessment, took advice from the Local Authority, and liaised closely with our neighbours Cirencester College and Chesterton Primary School. I was impressed by the support we had from both pupils and staff. Many pupils were disappointed to miss their remaining lessons.

We understand the water supply was finally restored to the school at 11pm.

Chiquita Henson
Headteacher