College Closure Update 2 Following Fire Incident

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to provide a further update following the fire incident earlier this week.

Following detailed inspections and safety checks carried out in line with guidance from the Fire and Rescue Service and our specialist contractors, I am pleased to confirm that the building has now been deemed safe to re-enter. All required checks to the electrical systems, gas supply, and fire safety systems have been completed.

As a result, ten of the affected classrooms are now safe and operational and will be ready for use when the college reopens. Some areas will still require cosmetic work, which will be addressed during the Easter holidays. This includes items such as replacing ceiling tiles, carpet tiles and other minor repairs following the water released by the fire suppression system.

Unfortunately, one classroom will remain closed at this time, which is the science laboratory where the fire originated. Further specialist work will be required in this room before it can be brought back into use.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and carers for the support, patience and understanding you have shown during this incident. We appreciate that the temporary closure of the college will have caused inconvenience for many families, and we are grateful for the way the community has supported the college while we ensured the site was fully safe.

I would also like to again recognise the maturity and calmness shown by our pupils, as well as the professionalism of staff during the evacuation and subsequent arrangements.

The safety of pupils and staff is always our absolute priority, and we are pleased that the college can now safely return to normal operations. The college will open at 8:30am on Monday 16^th March for all pupils.

Thank you once again for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs K. Phillips

Headteacher