A Leicestershire headteacher has confirmed her school is likely to be partially closed for the rest of this academic year. Badgerbrook school in Whetstone is currently closed due to the “severity of flooding” which has wrecked all doors, flooring and computer equipment.
Jo Andrews, head teacher at Badgerbrook Primary School wrote to parents and carers last Friday (January 10) advising them it was “highly likely” the school, which is part of Discovery Schools Academy Trust, would be partially closed for the remainder of this academic year. Mrs Andrews confirmed this with LeicestershireLive on Wednesday this week (January 15), due to the “severity of the flooding.”
The headteacher said flood water had “completely submerged the entirety of the ground floor”. Kitchen equipment, flooring and ICT equipment has all been loss due to the floods.
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In her letter, Mrs Andrews said she was “devastated” to tell parents and carers about the likely school closure which happened after the nearby Whetstone brook flooded. She added: “The safety and well-being of our pupils, employees and community is our utmost priority.”
She told LeicestershireLive: “Following the assessments of Badgerbrook Primary School and the severity of the flooding and the damage it caused to the whole ground floor it is with deep regret that we confirm the school is highly likely to be partially closed for the remainder of this academic year. The flood water completely submerged the entirety of the ground floor.
“We have been advised from the appointed contractor via the insurance loss adjusters that all flooring (carpet, tile, vinyl and hall) all doors, fixed furniture, ICT equipment, and kitchen equipment will be lost and needs removing, together with anything else that encountered flood waters. The safety and wellbeing of our pupils and employees is our utmost priority.”
Badgerbrook Primary School in Whetstone
(Image: Google)
Mrs Andrews said a “temporary learning space” had been sourced to ensure all students received “face-to-face learning” from Monday, January 20. She said: “The whole school and Trust team have and are continuing to tirelessly work on the interim remote learning plan to ensure all pupils still receive an education for this week.
“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the parents, carers and the wider community of Badgerbrook. We are truly grateful for your kind messages of support and understanding at this unprecedented time.”
The Environment Agency (EA) said it sympathised with the school following the floods. A spokesperson said: “We are very aware of the devastating impact flooding can have and our sympathies are with everyone affected in recent days, including those impacted by the flooding at the Badgerbrook School.
“Heavy rain and snow melt caused significant flooding and levels that exceeded anything in recent times across the East Midlands. Whetstone was one such place affected. The EA will continue to work with partners to gain clarity on the flooding and seek solutions where feasible and how we can best support communities going forward.”