Dozens of pupils have been sent home from a Whitefield primary school after it was ransacked by burglars.
Thieves broke into All Saints C of E Primary School in Rufford Drive at about 5.30am.
After using a spade to prise open a window at the rear of the building, intruders ransacked drawers, cupboards and store rooms.
Televisions, interactive whiteboards and windows were also damaged in the break-in.
The damage meant part of the school was closed today, with parents of 60 children in the nursery and reception classes being informed that their child would not be able to come into school.
The school's headteacher, Gail Branch, said: "It's upsetting, I have no idea why anyone would do this.
"It is young children aged three to five that have been affected here, and it is going to disturb their education.
"We have a nice school here and someone unpleasant has come along and done this."
Security staff were alerted to the break-in after alarms sounded, and arrived at the school ten minutes later to find someone still inside the building.
However, the burglars managed to escape through a back door before they could be caught.
School bosses say that although drawers and cupboards containing iPads and laptops were ransacked, no items of value appeared to have been stolen.
However, it is estimated that the damage will cost thousands of pounds to repair.
After hearing of what happened, a number of parents offered their support to the school in helping repair the damage, with some also bringing in biscuits and coffee for staff.
"A lot of parents have been inconvenienced," said Mrs Branch. "But they have been really supportive and asked what they can do to help."
A clean-up will take place throughout today, and it is hoped that pupils will be able to return to school as normal tomorrow.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they were investigating the break-in, and that forensics officers would be visiting the school later today to gather evidence.
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