Wells school continues contingency planning amid concrete crisis
The Blue School has had one of its buildings condemned because inspectors found cracks in the concrete
The Blue School in Wells are today (January 12) having a special visit by education officials after being marred with concrete issues.
Since the middle of the festive period, the Kennion Building at the site's been condemned after a structural inspection found there to be cracks in the ceilings and walls.
Since then, a number of year groups have had to revert to remote learning whilst experts assess the best course of action.
Despite the issues not a result of the current RAAC or HACC crisis which has been affecting other schools, they only realised the extent of the issues as a result of inspections assessing for the presence of these substances.
Today, they're hosting Baroness Barran MBE, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education, and James Heappey MP - who represents Wells - in a move the headteacher has welcomed.
500 students impacted
Mark Woodlock tells us their visit underpins their understanding of the seriousness of the situation.
He said: "To support the fact that the Department for Education is involved, we're being visited by Baroness Barran and James Heappey. They'll be able to see what it's really like on the ground - which is a positive sign of illustrating the sense of seriousness which has taken place.
"After all, we've currently got two year groups at home - amounting to 500 students.
"Their visit also makes a sense of making sure we're clear with them as to what's happening here. Ministers clearly have a wider responsibility than just us with the RAAC crisis - but it's really great to have them visit us."
Currently, 20 classrooms have been condemned - meaning two year groups are off and instead learning remotely - something, sadly, these cohorts know all too well about.
Mark said: "We have to remember, this is the Covid generation. They have been used to adaptations throughout their education. That doesn't mean that this situation isn't dispiriting for them, however.
"Lots of the students are disappointed with missing out on the sheer social element of being in school.
"This is not a Covid situation, though. This is a short term measure until we can get other measures, like temporary classrooms, in place, which might not happen until Easter because of the current supply backlog."
They've taken over the original school building
Amid the crisis, they've had to get creative to make extra space for pupils - meaning from next week, just one year group will be off each week.
Mark added: "We've re-organised the entire school.
"For example, the school hall has been repurposed as a classroom, whilst Somerset Council has helped us with a building which ironically used to be the original school building 100 years ago.
"Alongside that, there's a significant amount of work going on behind the scenes to try and create these temporary classrooms."
The overwhelming support
Despite all of their issues, we're told the support from parents and carers has been really positive.
Mark said: "If somebody was an architect, they'd call up and ask how they can help - same with those who work in the National Grid...
"We had a mysterious parent who left us trays of donuts for the staff!
"We're extremely grateful to all offers of help - but what we also will do is make sure no student is disadvantaged in the long-term because of these issues."
From next week, it will just be one year group off at a time - thanks to the creative use of space.
- Year 7 will be undertaking online lessons week commencing January 15
- Year 8 will be undertaking online lessons week commencing January 22
- Year 9 will be undertaking online lessons week commencing January 29
The school tell us they're expecting to know in the coming weeks what the next steps will be - and will be updating parents via letter - which you can also access on their website.