Primary school reopens after two-day closure over health and safety concerns

A PRIMARY school headteacher has reassured parents “everything is fine” after the school was shut for two days.

Lacewood Primary School headteacher Jeannette Stratton said the Bolton-on-Dearne school had been closed on Monday and Tuesday after abnormal bacteria readings were found in the water system.

In a statement posted on Facebook, she said: “As we’ve informed parents, part of routine maintenance includes regular water samples and temperatures being taken to test for any abnormalities. 

“Following abnormal bacteria readings on Friday, a decision was taken to sterilise the water system, as a precaution and in line with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive.

“There have been no confirmed cases of illness at the school as a direct result of these abnormal readings.

“Following the sterilisation of the water system further water sample readings have come back as normal.”

The school re-opened to staff and pupils this morning (Wednesday).

Speaking to the Advertiser today, Ms Stratton said: “We are back open and everything is fine now.

“Parents are aware of the situation and know exactly what’s happened.”

The headteacher said the closure had been a “precautionary measure”.

She added: “All schools are tested for things, as are hospitals etc — we just had a heightened reading so it was shut as a precaution.

“We are all up and open, everybody is back in school.”

Barnsley Council has been contacted for a comment.