Staffordshire's Flash Ley school to reopen in January - 15 months after toxic gas closure
A Staffordshire primary school which closed due to a toxic gas will reopen in January - 15 months after 20 pupils were taken ill.
Flash Ley School students have been studying in nearby schools and education centres since the toxic gas and chemical formaldehyde was found in October 2015, but they will return to the campus on January 6.
Originally the problem was described as a 'bad smell' but further investigation revealed the true nature of the problem.
Removing the formaldehyde, venting the buildings and transporting pupils for the last four terms has cost Staffordshire County Council more than £1 million.
In July the authority vowed to recoup the full cost of £1,113,159.14, but stated it could not comment further on potential legal action.
Repair work has now finished in the early years area of the Hawksmoor Road school and the air has been continually tested to ensure the whole site is safe.
This means staff can now start preparing classrooms ahead of a return to site.
Although there is still a small amount of work to be done in other areas of the school, the majority of classrooms are now finished and ready for teaching.
County Councillor Ben Adams, cabinet member for learning and skills said: "Everyone has worked hard to get the Flash Ley building safe and ready for pupils and teachers to return.
"I know today's news will be welcomed by parents and school staff, and I want to thank them and the entire school community for their patience and support over the months the school site has been out of use.
"We must concentrate now on getting everything ready so pupils can enjoy the New Year back in their old school."
Headteachers of Flash Ley, Karan Williams and Kerri Fenton said: "This is the news we've all been waiting for.
"Our journey is in its final stages and we are really excited about the new year and continuing our successful future back at Flash Ley.
"We want to express our upmost thanks to everyone - our dedicated staff, the resilient children, loyal parents, the local community and county for supporting us in what has been a unique situation."
