Minister visits Wells amid concrete crisis at the Blue School
Baroness Barran recently made a visit to check on what's being done, after 20 classrooms were forced to shut over the Christmas period
Last updated 17th Jan 2024
Wells MP James Heappey has this week welcomed the Minister responsible for school buildings to the city - amid the Blue School closing 20 classrooms because of cracking concrete.
Baroness Barran recently made a visit to check on what's being done - with work happening 'at pace' to make sure there's enough provision for pupils.
The Baroness arrived in Somerset in a bid discuss the action plan following structural concerns identified over Christmas, with the Headteacher, Mark Woodlock, telling us last week that this was not a 'Covid situation', but instead a 'temporary measure', which has meant some year groups have been forced to study at home.
Baroness Barran was joined on her visit by the local MP, along with officials from the Department for Education involved in the provision of temporary accommodation - which the school tell us should be in place by the Easter holidays.
The Minister and Mr Heappey were hosted by Mr Woodlock, and the Chair of the school’s governors, Jonathan Brown, and were taken around the affected buildings as well as viewing the potential sites for temporary accommodation.
Following the visit, Mr Heappey said: “I am grateful to the Minister for taking the time to come to Wells and see the issues the school is facing.
“Parents, teachers, and the Government all share a desire to minimise the amount of time students spend away from school which is why the school’s leadership team and officials from the Department for Education are working at such pace to deliver temporary accommodation.
“I will continue to join the weekly update meetings to support the school in accessing whatever resources they need.”
It's hoped all year groups will be back in-person by Easter, thanks to the allocation of temporary classrooms.
Read more: Wells school continues contingency planning amid concrete crisis