Edinburgh primary school closed with immediate effect for emergency building repairs
An Edinburgh primary school has been closed suddenly after a routine health and safety check revealed “immediate work” was needed in the school building.
Parents of pupils at St Cuthbert's Primary in Slateford were told on Monday the school building would be closed for the foreseeable as a “precautionary measure”, with children moved to another school from Wednesday while emergency building work is carried out.
Edinburgh City Council has not confirmed how long the disruption is likely to last, however the school said it hoped the closure would be in place “for a minimal period of time”.
An update on Tuesday afternoon confirmed that arrangements have been made for the school’s 180 pupils to be temporarily transferred to St Peter’s Primary School and St Augustine’s High School. Transport will also be laid on to take pupils to and from their host school.
Breakfast and after school clubs will not run, however the closure does not affect the school’s nursery which is open as usual on Tuesday.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Edinburgh City Council’s Education, Children and Families Convenor, acknowledged the disruption for parents and children.
He said: “I know that this news will be inconvenient for parents/carers but our priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of children in our care, and staff who work in the school.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our families while our teams work to support and settle children into new learning environments this week.
“Regular updates will be provided to parents and carers via the St Cuthbert’s Primary School website.”