UPDATE: Larkmead closed to all students – Monday 8th JanuarY

Dear students, parents and carers.

I am writing to update you on the flooding at Larkmead. Flooding across the school site means that Larkmead will unfortunately have to be closed to students on Monday 8th January in the first instance, with further disruption expected. 

As well as the known loss of heating and hot water, it is now clear that flooding in one of our boiler houses has wiped out electricity in that area, impacting around 30 classrooms as well as toilets, offices, learning support, common room, gym, hall and canteen. We have also lost some electricity supply to other areas of the school. 

The site team are working hard to address the situation with the support of the Vale Academy Trust.

We will aim to switch to remote learning on Monday, but this may be impacted by teachers’ access to technology and materials. Loss of electricity across much of the school will have an impact. 

Flooding has prevented catering deliveries, but we have been able to send vouchers to families in receipt of free school meals on Monday. The company have asked us to advise parents of children not in receipt of FSM to please provide packed lunches while the situation with the canteen is addressed.

We thank you for your patience and support as we assess what is becoming a more complicated situation and what will be possible for Tuesday onwards.

Thank you
Jonathan Dennett
Headteacher
Larkmead School