On the final day of the summer term, a blaze started at Cliff Park School. This very dangerous circumstance resulted in an instant evacuation of students and staff. The Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service stated that the fire had originated in the structure’s roof void. It caused flames so large that it melted the operators’ safety specs and emitted toxic black smoke.
School principal Louise Watkins said she was just grateful that all the teachers and students were evacuated and safe. She promptly communicated with parents, assuring them that pastoral support would be extended to students and staff. This support will continue once they’re back in school.
None of us would have predicted the last day of term to go like this,” explained Watkins. Even though we seemed to be managing it pretty well, this was obviously an extremely stressful situation for all participants.
Parents were invited to come by campus this past weekend to retrieve their children’s belongings. Vehicles left behind, whether bicycles or scooters, will be held in a safe place for the new school year, which starts in September.
Watkins said the school was still in the preliminary stages of determining the extent of the damage from the fire. She noted that sections of the building will require extensive rehabilitation work beginning next September. The school, and related charter school movement, claims to care about minimizing disruption for students and their families.
While we are discouraged, we remain committed to reopening our services as scheduled this September. The sheer size of this fire has presented incredible challenges with rescue and response, and that kind of work will take time, she stated.
Myleene Klass, a former pupil and the new school ambassador, took to Instagram to express her excitement and support. She added her gratitude that all the participants were safe.
To Cliff Park educators and students, Happy you are protected. As I’ve been hearing, excellent teachers made sure to get you out. I’m sorry your last day of term looked like this, I’m relieved you’re all ok. Sending my love, Klass wrote.
While the school community continues to find its way through this unforeseen hurdle, Watkins is hopeful for their perseverance. “Despite the challenges we must now navigate, I am confident that the unity and spirit shown will help us return stronger than ever,” she concluded.
