Pupils forced to leave Sacred Heart Primary School in Barrow-in-Furness due to safety concerns may face an extended period away from their original building, potentially up to five years. The Department for Education (DfE) has indicated that repairs to the 120-year-old school could take between three and five years to complete.
Current Arrangements and Temporary Facilities
In the interim, the DfE is implementing temporary measures to ensure continuity of education. This includes installing temporary buildings equipped with libraries on the site at Lumley Street and another nearby location. Sacred Heart’s headteacher, Simone Beach, expressed gratitude for the community’s support and commended the resilience of staff and students.
Since January 2023, when building inspectors deemed the ground floor unsafe, pupils have been relocated. Some children are now commuting daily to St Bernard’s High School in Barrow, while others are being taught in Portakabins set up in Sacred Heart’s playground.
Headteacher’s Reflections and Community Response
Headteacher Simone Beach noted the challenge of adapting to the situation. “We were told to get out immediately,” she said. “At the time we just rolled up our sleeves and got on with it, saying to ourselves: ‘we can do this.’ But I did not think for one second we’d be in the same position 17 months down the line.”
The DfE has announced plans to install a temporary building at St Bernard’s to accommodate additional classes. Starting January, nursery, reception, Year 1, and Year 2 students will be relocated to a temporary building at Sacred Heart’s original site.
Staff and Student Adaptations
PE Teacher Jack Peet highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the school community. “Nothing can ever prepare you for the challenges we are facing every day,” he said. “Like getting on the bus in the mornings and afternoons, having toilets outside, and setting up classrooms in libraries and corridors. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure children’s education remains as uninterrupted as possible.”
Future Prospects and Community Support
The DfE has prioritized Sacred Heart for inclusion in its school building programme, reflecting the urgency and importance of the repairs. Mrs. Beach expressed optimism about the progress and reiterated her appreciation for the support from the local community. “I feel pleased that our situation seems to be moving forward. We have relied on the kindness of our community and town to get us through this challenging time.”
FAQ
1. Why is Sacred Heart Primary School closed?
Sacred Heart Primary School was closed after building inspectors determined the ground floor was unsafe. The school is undergoing extensive repairs, which are expected to take between three and five years.
2. Where are the pupils being taught during the closure?
Pupils are currently being taught in temporary facilities. Some are traveling daily to St Bernard’s High School, while others are using Portakabins set up in the school’s playground. Additional temporary buildings with libraries are being installed at Lumley Street and other locations.
3. How long is the school expected to be closed?
The school may remain closed for up to five years while extensive repairs are carried out.
4. What are the plans for the school’s temporary facilities?
Starting in January, nursery, reception, Year 1, and Year 2 students will be moved to a temporary building on the original Sacred Heart site. There are also plans to install a temporary building at St Bernard’s High School.
5. How has the community supported the school?
The community has provided significant support throughout the challenging period, including temporary solutions for teaching facilities and ongoing assistance to ensure that education continues with minimal disruption.
6. What steps are being taken to address the situation?
The DfE has prioritized Sacred Heart for the school building programme, indicating a commitment to address the building’s issues as swiftly as possible. Meanwhile, temporary facilities and relocation plans are in place to support the students’ education during the closure.
