A primary school in Gloucestershire, Berkeley Primary School, has announced it will reopen on January 7, 2024, following a temporary closure due to an electrical fault. The school was forced to close on January 6 for health and safety reasons, as it lacked essential heating and electricity.
In a message to parents and guardians shared on Facebook, the school explained that the electrical issue had impacted phone lines and internet access, prompting officials to use social media for communication. Parents were requested to collect their children at 1:20 PM after an early lunch had been provided.
The school’s announcement read: “Due to an electrical fault, we have had to make the decision to close the school today. This includes explorers after school.” The statement emphasized that such decisions are not taken lightly, prioritizing the safety of students.
The communication encouraged parents to assist in spreading the message to those not connected to online parent groups, ensuring that all families were informed. Staff availability was assured for those who could not arrange immediate collection, alleviating concerns about student safety.
In a follow-up communication later that same day, Gloucestershire County Council confirmed that the school would resume regular operations the following day, as the fault had been rectified. Berkeley Primary School reported: “Great news. The electricians within our trust have worked their magic and were able to get the part needed to fix the fault this afternoon.”
The school expressed gratitude to the community for their understanding and responsiveness during the unexpected closure. The message acknowledged the challenges faced by parents and commended the staff for their flexibility and commitment. “The kitchen staff worked wonders to ensure meals were ready for the children despite the difficult circumstances. Superb teamwork and commitment to life in a school,” the statement concluded.
With the issue resolved, Berkeley Primary School looks forward to welcoming students back on January 7, ensuring a smooth transition after the brief disruption.
