Emergency cover has been announced for lessons for pupils of St James Primary School in Grain, which was destroyed by fire.

Pupils will be ferried by bus to neighbouring Allhallows Primary Academy while the village school is rebuilt.

Only children in the reception class will remain at the site, as their classroom was not affected by the blaze that ripped through the building in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

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The school’s 185 pupils were due to return after half term today, but they will now go back on Thursday while contingency arrangements are finalised.

Meanwhile head teacher Ruth Sivarajah has thanked parents and the community for the overwhelming messages of support and well wishes received.

A letter was sent out on Thursday from Gary Vyse, chief executive of The Williamson Trust which runs the school with the Diocese of Rochester, and education director Alex Tear. Allhallows Primary is also part of the trust’s portfolio.

It said: “Having given careful consideration to the safety, well-being and continuity of the children’s learning, it has been agreed that from Thursday, November 10, 2016 all St James’ pupils, in Year groups 1 to 6 will be taught by their class teachers in their original class groups on the Allhallows Primary Academy site, in order that the children can return to school as quickly as possible.

“This service will be in place for the remainder of Term 2 until it is no longer needed.

“Our central belief is that St James’ children must not be disadvantaged by the fire and they have the right and ability to succeed, regardless of the deeply regrettable circumstances.”

The letter said providing classroom space at Allhallows will ensure teaching and learning is not significantly disrupted. Mrs Sivarajah will continue to be head of school.

The letter added: “Day to day operations will be very similar as they are now and further details in relation to next week’s arrangements will follow.”

A parents’ evening providing more information is due to be held at Grain Village Hall at 6pm tomorrow.

The fire, which broke out in a classroom about 1am last Sunday, is being treated as suspicious as investigations continue.