Shock primary school shutdown stuns parents

A PRIMARY school in a Nottinghamshire village faces “long-term” closure after serious structural issues were identified.

- By RUCSANDRA MOLDOVEANU & LOUIS CORBETT

Parents of children at St Peter's C of E Junior School in Ashworth Avenue, Ruddington, have spoken of their shock after they were given the “devastating” news late on Tuesday afternoon.

A letter from the school’s headteacher, Michael Bradley, explained that Nottinghamshire County Council was carrying out routine work to repair windows and fascia boards when the structural problems with the school building were found.

The letter read: “Following a full risk assessment, the county council has now taken the difficult decision to temporarily close the school in order for pupils and staff to be kept safe. We have been informed the closure is likely to be long term.”

Mr Bradley added: “I’m sure, like me, you will be devastated by this news. As you can imagine, it is currently an ever-changing picture, and I will continue to update you as new details emerge.”

Mother-of-two Gwen Eyre, 48, explained that her son, currently in Year 4, had not been in lessons since the school closed.

She said: “It’s just devastating for everybody involved because it’s a fabulous school.

“I just feel for everybody. It’s a horrible situation.

“It’s gutting because they do all these lovely things around this time of the year and, just like that, everything changed.