Heanor school to reopen after safety fears

Heanor Langley Infant School and Nursery which is still closed due to roofing works.

County council contractors and cleaners have pulled out all the stops to get Heanor Langley Infant School and Nursery to open earlier than expected.

The discovery of rotten roof trusses and joists during re-roofing meant the school had to remain closed for safety reasons last week.

Year 2 pupils returned today (Monday, September 14) and have been taught in one of the classrooms and the school hall.

Nursery, reception and Year 1 pupils were initially unable to return this week with the school laying on activities for them off-site at other local venues.

However, internal work to make the roof trusses and joists safe has been completed more quickly than expected so all pupils can now return from 8.55am on Wednesday.

Access to certain parts of the school in Laceyfields Road will remain restricted to ensure the safety of children, parents and staff while work continues outside to replace roof tiles.

Councillor Jim Coyle, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Our contractors have worked incredibly hard to get the extra work done as quickly as possible.

“Cleaners have been in to school all over the weekend and following a site inspection at noon today, it has been decided that it is safe to re-open the school to all pupils.

“I know the situation has been less than ideal for parents but I’d like to thank them for bearing with us during this difficult time.”

Contractors started work in July on replacing the slate roof - with the majority of work taking place during the summer holidays to minimise disruption.

It was only when an original lath and timber ceiling was removed inside they found rotten roof trusses and joists and extra work was needed to strengthen them before tiles could be replaced.

Headteacher Carol Daly added: “I’m delighted that we will be able to welcome all 154 of our pupils back to school on Wednesday.

“It’s been a very trying time but I’d like to thank all of my staff and parents for their support and understanding.”

The £138,000 project to replace the slate roof is being funded by the county council.