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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Joshua Knapman

School finds temporary new site after 'significant structural issue' left pupils learning at home

A Newport school has found a new temporary site after more than 250 pupils were told they couldn't go back due to a "significant structural issue".

Pupils and staff from St Andrew’s Primary School will move to a new temporary home in the Newport Live Connect Centre on Monday, April 19.

Children were unable to return to the junior school building on Jenkins Street earlier this month after it had been closed for safety reasons.

An inspection revealed a "significant structural issue" which has necessitated the immediate closure of the building.

About 340 pupils from Years Three, Four, Five and Six were preparing to return to the school under the Welsh Government plans to reopen classrooms in Wales by March 15.

Since 12 March, Year Six children and teachers have been accommodated by Lliswerry High School while the other 270 pupils have continued receiving online lessons.

St Andrew's Primary School has a significant structural issue. (Google)

A spokeswoman for Newport Council said: "It was felt essential that these three years should be kept together so considerable work has been done to find an appropriate building that would provide a safe and secure learning environment.

"Newport Live kindly offered the Connect Centre in Mendalgief Road, subject to final permissions, and work will be undertaken to make the building ready to welcome the school.

"This includes upgrading the alarm system to the required standards for so many primary school children.

"Works are also being carried out in the grounds to make sure they can have a suitable outdoor play area.

The Connect Centre on Mendalgief Road, formerly the YMCA, is set to welcome pupils (Google)

They added: "Transport will be provided to take the children from St Andrew’s to the Connect Centre, and back again, each day.

"Parents are being kept updated about the arrangements.

"The council and the school appreciate their patience and understanding in relation to an unprecedented situation that no-one would have wanted.

"A small number of young people who were using the Connect Centre for alternative education programmes have moved to the Rivermead Centre in Rogerstone where they will continue to receive high quality learning and teaching. It has some additional features that those pupils can benefit from."

Earlier this month, Lliswerry ward councillor Allan Morris said his phone was "red hot" with emails and calls from parents concerned about the news of pupils not being able to return, branding it "unacceptable".

Investigations into the structural issues in the St Andrew’s junior building and possible solutions are continuing.

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