Following Tuesday’s tragic incident at Liberton High School, the Council has taken immediate steps to visit and inspect its school estate in order to provide reassurance to parents, pupils and teachers.
From 7.30am yesterday teams, including facilities managers and building surveyors, began inspecting all Council primary, secondary, special and nursery schools, focusing on free-standing walls. These inspections have now concluded.
Nine similar walls were identified in changing rooms and toilet facilities in two secondary schools: Castlebrae High School and Leith Academy. The inspections also identified a number of smaller free-standing walls in 11 primary schools, some of which support wash-hand basins.
No concerns were identified with the structure of any of these walls, although some areas have been cordoned off as a precaution until the end of term.
The Council will use the Easter holiday period to determine what, if any, further action is required.
Chief Executive, Sue Bruce, said:- “This has been a dreadful incident and my deepest sympathies, and those of my colleagues, are with Keane’s family and friends.
“I would like to thank head teacher, Stephen Kelly, and his staff for all they have done, and continue to do, during this incredibly difficult time.
“The Council has taken immediate action and we are determined to provide reassurance to parents, pupils and the people of Edinburgh that we will do everything in our power to prevent anything like this happening again.
“It is vitally important that we understand the cause of this tragedy and we are continuing to work closely with Police Scotland as part of their ongoing investigation.
“I have been in regular contact with the Scottish Government and have highlighted to them the course of action we are taking.”
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