The school hall at a local primary institution, part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust, has finally reopened after a 16-month closure. The hall was initially shut down on 31 August 2023 for safety checks, following the discovery of deep cracks in the roof. During the closure, essential activities like assemblies, meals, PE, and collective worship were relocated to classrooms and an outdoor marquee. The reconstruction work, costing £663,000 and funded by the Department for Education (DfE), has now been completed.
Nick Wade, the school's deputy head, expressed shock at the extent of the damage when cracks were first found throughout the roof. He remarked on the alarming state of the structure during initial inspections.
"One of the construction team was able to just break off a piece with his bare hands," said Nick Wade.
The presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building was identified as the root cause of the damage. This discovery prompted the urgent need for extensive repairs to ensure student safety.
Shannon O' Sullivan, the school's headteacher, expressed immense relief and joy at the completion of the reconstruction work. The closure had significant impacts on school operations, including a noticeable decrease in intake for the reception class by 10 pupils due to parental concerns about safety. Additionally, the school was unable to hold open days, further affecting its reputation and revenue.
"We suddenly felt really, really glad we were out of the hall and we were not having children inside it," commented Nick Wade.
The financial implications of the hall's closure are considerable, with estimates suggesting that the school would be £300,000 worse off over seven years due to lost revenue. Fortunately, the school receives at least £4,610 per pupil, which aids in mitigating some financial strain.
During the period of closure, a marquee was erected on the school playing field to accommodate lunchtimes, assemblies, and sports lessons. Despite these adaptations, students experienced challenges such as overcrowding during assemblies.
"When we were in there for assembly, we were all squashed up together," shared a student named Rosie.
Now that the hall has reopened, there is renewed enthusiasm among staff and students alike.
"It's a lot better that we can do gymnastics and all that again," stated Shannon O' Sullivan.
The newly refurbished hall is described as vibrant and full of light, providing a conducive environment for various school activities.
"The hall is vibrant, bright white, full of light from the windows streaming in," added Shannon O' Sullivan.
