Staffordshire's Flash Ley School to open in September after tox gas disruption
A Staffordshire school which was shut last year after formaldehyde was detected in the air after children became ill will reopen in September.
The substance which is believed to have been causing the problem will be removed from Flash Ley Primary School on Hawksmoor Road, and the school will receive a deep clean and redecoration.
County Councillor Ben Adams and head teacher Simon Barker announced the update at a series of meetings earlier this week.
Councillor Adams, Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills said: "Our priority has been to return the children back into school, in their local community, as soon as it is safe to do so.
"We have been working with school leaders, contractors and the Health and Safety Executive for some time to find a solution to the complex situation at Flash Ley School. I'd like to once again thank the entire school community for their patience and understanding during this time.
"Having investigated the cause and considered all possible solutions, we are now taking decisive action to remove the substance causing the formaldehyde, and fix the flooring in the building.
"The site will remain closed until the new school year to allow remedial works to be completed and full testing to be done. Children and staff will only return to the building once extensive tests show that is safe to do so."
Simon Barker, Head Teacher at Flash Ley Primary School, said: "Children, parents and staff are delighted to hear the news we are to return home.
"We are delighted that the county council have announced the decision and staff will now begin to make plans to ensure the arrangements for September will be in place and the transition back to Flash Ley will be smooth.
"I would personally like to thank the children, parents and staff for their support while we have been temporarily moved. We can now look forward to safe school to educate our children."
The work will begin in March and will be finished in time for the new school year in September. In the mean time, children will continue to be educated at the nearby Chetwynd Centre, Tillington Manor Primary and Stafford Manor High.
Flash Ley Primary School was shut in October while Staffordshire County Council investigated a strange smell.
They found that a toxic gas, formaldehyde, was causing some of the children to become ill.
It is believed that the incident was linked to flooring works done earlier in the year.
