Parents of pupils at Invergordon's fire-ravaged Park Primary get heads-up from Highland Council on plans for August return to classrooms; Consultation on long-term education provision in Invergordon to be subject of public consultation
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PLANS for the education of children who attended an Easter Ross primary school levelled by a devastating fire earlier this year have been made with longer-term proposals set for a wider public consultation.
Highland Council’s chief executive Donna Manson has written to parents and carers of children at Park Primary in Invergordon to thank them for their understanding and patience as work continues to appraise options following the fire that destroyed the school.
When children return to classrooms in August, Park pupils will be going back to Invergordon Academy, which hosted them in the aftermath of February's blaze.
Extra modular units and toilets are being arranged amid pledges that everything will be done to ensure their schooling doesn't suffer.
On Wednesday, parents joined the chief executive for what was described as a very constructive and well-attended virtual meeting chaired by local councillor, Maxine Smith.
Presentations covered issues surrounding both short- and medium-term plans and options for the school.
Mrs Manson confirmed that on August 12 , pupils of Park Primary will be returning to Invergordon Academy with extra measures to add to what was available since the school decamped there after the fire on February 24, from which everyone emerged unscathed.
Mrs Manson told parents: “Following your feedback, we are making changes that will improve the experience for your children at the Academy. Additional toilet facilities will be installed, and I am pleased that the additional staff that have been in post since the fire will remain in place.
"We are also arranging for further additional support staff to work across Park Primary, South Lodge Primary and Invergordon Academy. The plan is to also install a number of modular classroom units within the grounds of Invergordon Academy to provide the children with more dedicated space.
“As for the site of the fire, you will notice clearance work starting. Once this is completed we essentially have a blank canvas and can plan the way forward and find a permanent solution for the school. To do this thoroughly and effectively the Council will continue to engage with you all as well as your local community to make sure all options for the future are looked at.”
The council will start informal discussions at the end of this month followed by a statutory consultation to give everyone the opportunity to become involved and put forward their ideas and comments.
"Invergordon is great at coming together in a crisis and I’m sure the whole town will work with one another, sharing views and ideas until we come to a consensus. Whatever is chosen needs to be fit for the next 60 years.” - Maxine Smith
The chief executive also took the opportunity to thank parents for their support and input and pledged to continue to work together to plan for the best permanent solution.
She said: “I would also like to sincerely thank each and every one of you for your patience and understanding over what has been a very challenging time for you. Dealing with the aftermath of the fire has not been easy and the on-going challenges of dealing with the current Covid-19 pandemic has added additional pressure for us all. I want to reassure you that our priority remains ensuring that Park Primary pupils are not disadvantaged and continue to have access to a full quality learning experience which is supported by dedicated professional staff and the whole community.”
Cllr Maxine Smith welcomed the chance for parents and officials to come together.
She said: “The virtual meeting was a start to get the ball rolling with regard to Invergordon’s schooling future. We have an opportunity here to consider several options that will potentially enhance our current schooling provision. I’d like the parents and grandparents, as well as children to seriously consider what Invergordon needs in its future.
"There will be widespread and informative consultations to give everyone the chance to see what the different options would look like. Invergordon is great at coming together in a crisis and I’m sure the whole town will work with one another, sharing views and ideas until we come to a consensus. Whatever is chosen needs to be fit for the next 60 years.”
The fire, which has been ascribed to a faulty laptop, has started a debate on the provision of sprinkler systems in schools across the Highlands.
Related: Pupils at Invergordon schools to get answers on future education plans following blaze
