Belvedere school closed following asbestos discovery (From News Shopper)

Belvedere school closed following asbestos discovery

11:30am Thursday 24th November 2011 in Bexley By Alan Woods

A BELVEDERE school has been closed following the discovery of asbestos in the school hall.

Traces of asbestos were found at Belvedere Infant School, in Mitchell Close, on November 17 and the school was closed as a safety precaution the following day.

All lessons have been suspended until December 1 and the school itself is not expected to open again until February next year.

Bexley Council is working with the school to provide alternative arrangements for children while the school remains closed.

The school assures parents children will be taught in the same class groups and by the same teachers when the school re-opens.

Headteacher Linda Mulley said: "This is an unexpected period of disruption for our children and I appreciate the patience that children, parents and carers have shown while we are putting final arrangements in place.

“I can assure parents and carers that while this is going on their children will continue to receive the same high level of education from their own teachers and teaching assistants."

Tests were initially carried out on a small quantity of dust found in the hall but specialists have confirmed no trace of asbestos has been found in the air.

Extensive building work will see all damaged materials removed from the school and replaced with asbestos free alternatives.

The school teaches 240 youngsters aged between 4 and 7.

A letter was sent to all parents on November 21 giving details of the closure.

Has the school closure caused you a problem? Are you worried because your children attend the school? If so, call the newsdesk on 01689 885726.