IN FULL: Raac-impacted Basildon school sends out letter to parents

PARENTS at a Basildon school recently impacted by dangerous crumbling concrete have been issued a letter outlining their plans.

Yesterday, Merrylands Primary School, in Cumberland Drive, Laindon, was added to an updated Government list of schools in England affected by collapse-prone concrete known as Raac.

As a result, the site remains “partially open” and headteacher Rachel Robinson has written to parents outlining their proposals.

Letter (Image: Public)

Letter (Image: Public)In the letter, sent out on Friday and seen by the Echo, it said: “Yesterday, I met with the designated project director appointed by the DfE, who confirmed that demountables will be delivered to the site but realistically, we are looking at early November before these can be installed.

“This means difficult decisions have needed to be made to enable all pupils to return to face-to-face education and the following plans have been put into place.

“As from Monday, September 25, Year 2 and Year 3 classrooms will be in the new building.

“All teachers will remain the same. A separate letter will be sent to parents/carers with information of class locations and interim learning.

“As from Monday, September 25, Year 4 will be based in the main building (which has one spare existing classroom) and the large demountable on the playground.

“All teachers will remain the same. A separate letter will be sent to parents/carers with information of class locations.

“On Monday, September 25, Years 5 and 6 will be taught on site at James Hornsby School in a new block that will be separate to the main school which has its own entrance.

“Pupils will be transported to and from James Hornsby from Merrylands. This will be until demountables are delivered, which will hopefully be soon after half term.

“All teachers will remain the same. A separate letter will be sent to all Year 5 and 6 parents/carers.

“Those pupils who are a part of the ASC and are affected by the above, are carefully considered when all plans are put in place.

“Conversations will be had between parents/carers and the ASC staff to reassure and discuss plans in further detail.

“I hope you can understand the decision to move Year 5 and 6 to James Hornsby rather than the younger children in Year 2 and 3.

“We are in an exceptionally challenging situation, and we are doing our utmost to ensure that the children are back with their teachers as soon as possible.

“On Friday, September 22, Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be taught via remote learning.

“Due to The James Hornsby School having an open evening on Thursday next week, we only have one day to set up four classrooms on their site, as well as eight classrooms on Merrylands site.

“I have sought authorisation for this from the authority so that all staff can prepare properly for face-to-face education for all pupils on Monday, September 25.

“I know next Friday will be inconvenient but the staff at Merrylands are ultimately working above and beyond to get the children back into full time education.

“Extra-curricular clubs are being reviewed to allow for these to be able to be offered for the pupils.

“Further details will follow soon.

“Please bear with us and I thank you all in advance for your patience, understanding and continued support.”