Classroom closed after asbestos found

Six classes are having their schooling transferred to the Magna Science and Adventure Centre after asbestos was found at Thorpe Hesley Juniors.

The temporary location was organised by Rotherham Council after the dangerous material was discovered last week during work to install a new boiler.

It has meant the 250 pupils at the school on Upper Wortley Road have not been able to begin the new term at the school this week.

Two classes each of Year Three, Year Four and Year Five pupils at are to be taught at Magna in Templeborough over the next few weeks.

A further three classes, one Year Three and two Year Six, will remain at Thorpe Hesley and be taught in outside classrooms not affected by the asbestos scare.

Parents were informed by letter, and a meeting has been held to discuss the arrangements in detail. Pupils who attend the neighbouring Thorpe Hesley Infant School are not affected by the closure.

Director of Resources for Rotherham Council, Graham Sinclair, said: "The children will be going to school at a leading local tourist attraction next week!

"Although the work on installing the boiler had progressed well it did uncover asbestos around some of the underfloor pipework.

"We therefore took the decision to close the main school building for around six weeks while the asbestos is cleared.

"Although the threat to health is very small we feel this is a sensible course of action while these works are completed.

"We want to thank Magna for providing temporary accommodation at such short notice. It means lessons will continue as normal and the majority of children will remain together at one site rather than being split. The parents and staff have been very understanding about it all."

Year Six pupils whose classes are remaining at Thorpe Hesley Juniors will return to lessons today.

The Year Three pupils who are staying on the Thorpe Hesley site will start next Monday, as will those who are to be taught at the Magna Centre.

Transport for the pupils is being arranged by the council.