Primary school devastated by flooding

A heavy downpour on Tuesday led to water flooding into classrooms and the library at Ab Kettleby Primary School, causing extensive damage to flooring and furniture. The surge of water also destroyed the school’s outdoor trim trail, with expensive bark being washed away into the village.

Thankfully arrangements were quickly put in place to relocate most of the pupils to Melton’s Brownlow School while the damage is assessed and clean up work begins. Both Ab Kettleby Primary and Brownlow School are part of the Mowbray Education Trust which has meant the affected pupils have been able to continue their education by being transported by coach to Brownlow until further notice. Meanwhile Ab Kettleby Primary Year One and Two pupils have been able to carry on having lessons in their school hall.

The local community as well as staff, children and families connected to Ab Kettleby Primary School have also been rallying around offering help and support since the severe flooding, with the Mowbray Education Trust thanking all those who have helped, including other schools.

Stephanie Morriss, treasurer of the Friends of Ab Kettleby School, said: “The school was completely flooded, at one stage the standing water was knee high.

“It’s just devastating, especially as some of class three childrens’ work was at a low level and so would have been ruined. It’s hearbreaking when you know how much work children had put into it.

“Industrial cleaners have been into the school ripping up the carpets and it was really sad seeing all the expensive bark from the trim trail being washed all the way through the village.”

A Mowbray Education Trust spokeswoman said: “The same procedures that are currently being followed will remain in place until Friday, June 24.

“Everyone at the school and the Mowbray Education Trust are working hard to ensure the school opens to all children as soon as possible.

“Unfortunately, the flood has caused significant damage to the flooring and furniture. There is an assessment team from the loss adjusters working on site to establish the level of damage and make recommendations for repair. Once this has been completed work will begin to dry the classrooms out before repairs can be made.

“The trust would like to express our thanks for all the hard work that all the staff have been doing to clean up Ab Kettleby School. We would also like to thank both the children and staff at Brownlow Primary School for making it possible for the children from Ab Kettleby to be taught in their school. They have made a real effort to make sure everyone feels welcome and that they have everything that they need.”

For the latest updates on the situation you can visit the Mowbray Education Trust’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mowbrayeducation/