Children back in lessons as work to repair flood devastation at Mayespark Primary School begins
Ceiling tiles have fallen down and walls have crumbled. - Credit: Archant
A huge operation to repair the devastation caused by flooding at a Goodmayes primary school got underway as children returned to lessons this week.
A ruined classroom. - Credit: Archant
Mayespark Primary School, in Goodmayes Lane, was closed last week after a water main in the loft flooded dozens of classrooms across two floors.
Skips filled with ruined books, toys and children's work. - Credit: Archant
After an extra week off school following the Easter holiday, years four, five and six returned to an unaffected part of the school on Monday.
Younger children in reception and years one, two and three are being transported by coach to the Loxford School of Science and Technology, in Loxford Lane.
Headteacher Elizabeth Bradshaw said the arrangement could continue for the rest of the summer term until repairs are completed.
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She added: “It was heartbreaking to see the damage because it’s the children’s place and it’s very special for them.
“I’m very grateful to Anita Johnson, the head of Loxford School, for accommodating our children.”
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Mayespark staff have gone with the children to Loxford along with all the equipment that could be salvaged.
Skips outside the school are full of toys, books, furniture, work and carefully-assembled wall displays ruined by the water that poured through ceilings and down walls.
The building is being heated to sweltering temperatures over 30C and dehumidified as workers repair fallen ceilings, dangling lights, crumbled walls and floors.
Around a dozen classrooms and a staff room, toilets and corridors will be completely refurbished.
It is believed the flood happened overnight on April 11 and was only discovered when a caretaker found the school several inches deep in water the next morning.
Insurers are still investigating the cause.
