Benton Park School in Rawdon closed on first day of term due to 'significant health and safety issue'

A Leeds secondary school has not been open as expected today (Monday) after a last minute 'significant health and safety issue'.
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Year 7 and Year 12 pupils at Benton Park were due back at the school in Rawdon this morning.

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Headteacher Delia Martin said the school was set to reopen tomorrow (Tuesday).

Benton Park school, Rawdon (photo: Google).Benton Park school, Rawdon (photo: Google).
Benton Park school, Rawdon (photo: Google).
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She wrote: "It is with a real sadness that I am writing to you this evening to advise that we are unable to open school tomorrow

"The situation that we are faced with is that we currently have no running water to the school site and despite spending today at school with contractors to try and expedite a resolution to the situation, sadly this has not been possible.

"Additional equipment is required which will be delivered onsite tomorrow (Monday), at which point the repairs can be fully completed.

"As I am sure you can appreciate, a lack of water to the building poses a significant health and safety issue and even under normal circumstances would have precluded us from opening to students and staff.

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"However, the situation is heightened given the importance of all our Covid measures.

"Ultimately, whilst we know the decision is totally unwelcome from everyone’s perspective it is essential for the safety of our students and staff."

All year groups are due back at school tomorrow, according to a letter sent to parents in August.

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To reduce the number of people on site, parents and carers are asked not to go to the school buildings without an appointment.

Pupils with PE lessons at the start and end of the day are allowed to arrive and leave in their kit to reduce the number of people in changing rooms.

Delia Martin added: "We can only imagine the disappointment you and your child are now feeling at receiving this news, especially at this late stage on a Sunday evening and after all the disruption for your child around the transition programme.

"We are confident the situation will be resolved tomorrow and so please be assured that we will be open as normal on Tuesday."

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