Edinburgh primary school to remain shut till August after sudden closure
Pupils have been temporarily moved to two neighbouring schools while emergency works to the school building are carried out
Edinburgh Council has confirmed a primary school in Slateford will remain shut for the rest of the school year after a structural problem forced the school to close suddenly last month.
St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School closed with immediate effect on Tuesday, March 24, after a routine health and safety check revealed deflection in the floor of a classroom.
Engineers have since been carrying out inspections in the building and on Wednesday the council said the school will remain closed to pupils and staff until August.
Temporary arrangements for pupils have been in place for the last month.
Younger children have been decanted to St Peter’s Primary School in Morningside, while pupils in primary five, six and seven are being taught at St Augustine High School.
An Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: “The school remains closed while works are carried out in the building, with the aim for all relevant work and safety checks to be complete in time for the school to reopen in August.
“In the meantime, arrangements in place for pupils at neighbouring schools are working well for learners and families.”
At the time, Councillor James Dalgleish, Edinburgh City Council’s Education, Children and Families Convenor, acknowledged the disruption for parents and children.
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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.