Bollin Primary School, the Bowdon school suddenly shut by Trafford Council yesterday, is to begin a phased reopening later this week.
The council has announced that, “subject to final confirmation that the necessary measures are in place”, pupils will begin to return to the school from Thursday, March 2nd.
The proposal, which follows a meeting earlier today, would see Key Stage 2 pupils return on Thursday, Key Stage 1 pupils return on Friday, and Early Years pupils return on Monday.
The council’s statement read: “Appreciating the difficulties the closure of The Bollin Primary School has had on pupils, the Council, Governing Body and staff have been working very hard to make sure the school is reopened to pupils as a matter of urgency.
“Following a comprehensive planning meeting earlier today, everyone involved is working towards a phased opening of the school from later this week. Parents are being advised of this phased opening and, subject to final confirmation that the necessary measures are in place, will be updated with confirmed arrangements tomorrow, Wednesday 1 March 2017.
“The current proposal would see the school open on Thursday 2 March 2017 for Key Stage 2 pupils only. On Friday 3 March 2017, Key Stage 1 pupils would be invited back into school, with Early Years pupils returning on Monday 6 March 2017.
“The Council has thanked parents and carers for their patience, during what it appreciates has been an extremely difficult time.”
We’ve asked the council for confirmation of what “necessary measures” need to be in place, or whether there will be any changes to the school’s senior leadership team.
Earlier today, council leader Sean Anstee told us that the dramatic decision to close the 239-pupil school yesterday was taken because it wasn’t “operationally safe” due to “reduced senior leadership capacity”.
Last week, we reported how over 60 parents had staged a protest over what they said was a “climate of fear, intimidation and uncertainty” at the school.
Problems at the school have centred on the breakdown of the relationship between many parents and the school’s headteacher, Michelle Brindle.
Speaking earlier today, Anstee denied that headteacher Michelle Brindle and other members of the school’s leadership team had been sacked or suspended.
“Staffing matters are primarily the responsibility of the governing body, and we’re not in a position to affect that,” he said.
