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Meopham School near Gravesend to reopen after ‘structural problems’

By: Sean McPolin smcpolin@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 17:40, 02 October 2023

Updated: 19:23, 02 October 2023

A school will finally reopen a week after it was shut due to structural issues.

Last week, pupils from Meopham School in Wrotham Road were sent home for remote learning over concerns about some interior fixings at the site.

Meopham School temporarily shut due to structural issues. Picture: Simon Hildrew

The school, which is a part of Swale Academies Trust, opened partially today but will be open fully to all children tomorrow.

A letter sent to parents said: “As you are aware, last week there was a health and safety concern that came to light at the school which led us to temporary closing and moving to online teaching and learning.

“This week we are now in a position to safely re-open to all staff and students.”

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Head teacher Glenn Prebble offered his reassurances the problem has been looked at by professionals and fixed.

He added: “As part of the original design of the classroom and halls in the school, the ceilings have baffle boards which suspend in order to improve the acoustic in the room, thus supporting a comfortable environment conducive to effective teaching and learning.

“A concern over the fixings of a baffle board came to light last week. Therefore, as a precautionary measure we made the difficult decision to close the school.

“This allowed us to bring in professionals from the original contractors who built, designed and installed the boards to undertake health and safety checks across our entire school and reinforce appropriate solutions.”

Mr Prebble says all boards in the school are now safe and health and safety isn’t a concern going forward.

“I want you all to feel comfortable with our building being open as usual,” he said.

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The school is also undergoing an extension to cater for an influx of more than 300 pupils.

This includes a new building and a car park with a drop-off and pick-up area.

When the school originally shut, a Swale Academies Trust spokesman said: “We would like to give reassurance that this is not in relation to any RAAC.

“The safety of our students, staff and visitors is our greatest priority and we at Swale Academies Trust treat all health and safety concerns across our schools with the utmost importance.”

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