The Council pledged its support to Avon Valley Foundation School, in Rugby, that was destroyed by fire in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Even before the flames were out council leaders were meeting to plan a way forward.
Avon Valley Foundation School
Update statement Monday 28 June 2004 1pm
Council Pledges support for Avon Valley School
The Council pledged its support to Avon Valley Foundation School, in Rugby, that was destroyed by fire in the early hours of this morning
Even before the flames were out council leaders were meeting to plan a way forward.
An action plan to get the children back to school has pledged to try to get some accommodate in place before the end of term. For now Avon Valley School and Riverside Primary School will remain closed this week while the site is being made safe.
Cllr Ian Bottrill, Leader of the Council, said "There is a terrible sense of loss, although firefighters fought valiantly to save Avon Valley School the blaze took too steady a grip. We're grateful that no-one was injured. Clearly the staff and local community are in shock. Many people have rallied around offering support for which we thank them.
"Our task now is to work with the school to try to get alternative accommodation so that we can get back to the business of educating our children. Our pledge is to do all we can to support the school in this time of crisis.
Cllr Richard Grant, portfolio holder for schools, said:
"In the early hours of yesterday morning, before the flames were out, officers were planning temporary accommodation to re-open Avon Valley School. Both the headteacher and the Local Education Authority have demonstrated great leadership, leading the school forward at this time of great crisis. "
"Safety issues allowing, our aim is to try to open the school as soon as possible."
Eric Wood, Director of Education said
"This is a real tragedy for the school and the local community. Avon Valley is an excellent school with dedicated teachers and support staff and first class support from parents. The County Council will be working with the school and Borough Council to ensure that the education of young people is resumed quickly and effectively."
Headheacher, Mark Braine, said:
"The scene here is terrible and devastating for all of us locally. From this will arise a new school but it is important to remember that what makes a school is the people in it and Avon Valley is and will continue to be a special place."
First statement issued at 7am Mon 28 June 2004:
Firefighters fought valiantly this morning to put out a blaze
that has destroyed Avon Valley Foundation School in Rugby.
A fire broke out in the school at around 2am this morning. It is understood that around 75% of the building has been damaged by the fire. Firefighters saved the millennium building the maths suite, sports hall and gym.
The school is closed today. The LEA will be working with the school in the coming days to make alternative arrangements for the education of local children.
Firefighters fought valiantly this morning to put out a blaze
that has destroyed Avon Valley Foundation School in Rugby.
A fire broke out in the school at around 2am this morning. It is understood that around 75% of the building has been damaged by the fire. Firefighters saved the millennium building the maths suite, sports hall and gym.
The school is closed today. The LEA will be working with the school in the coming days to make alternative arrangements for the education of local children.