Pupils who attend Ruddington’s Infant and Nursery School have themselves at home unexpectedly today – after a flood of raw sewage affected the playground and the area around the main entrance.
The incident at James Peacock School in Manor Park happened just as the school day was finishing yesterday (Monday December 6th) and was apparently caused by a sewage inspection cover springing a leak. It led to the cancellation of all classes today – with some parents and guardians having to hastily re-arrange their schedules to look after their children instead.
A letter to parents from the Acting Headteacher, Hannah Cutts, contained an apology for the inconvenience, saying she understood how difficult it would be for everyone. It explained that the nature of the flood meant they had no choice but to temporarily close the school on ‘health and safety’ grounds.
Severn Trent Water Emergency Services were called to the premises to assess what had happened in their mains system to ensure it doesn’t happen again. This afternoon a drain company fixed the blockages and set about cleaning up the untreated water, faeces and toilet paper which had accumulated outside the school building.
It’s reported all pavements and playground areas have now been thoroughly disinfected and jet washed by a Nottinghamshire County Council Health and Safety team – although there are still some cordoned off areas which the school is asking no children or adults to go on for the time being.
Following a further inspection it’s been declared that James Peacock School is now safe to reopen – with pupils and staff all due to return tomorrow (Wednesday 8th December).
