Liberton Primary School fire – arrangements for pupils

February 7, 2020 7:35 pm

The City of Edinburgh Council has issued information for pupils and their parents in the aftermath of the fire on Wednesday which has caused significant damage to the school.

There will be a short term decant of the whole school so that work can be carried out to make the building safe. It is thought that pupils and staff will be able to return to Liberton Primary School after the Easter holidays.

Meantime arrangements have been made as follows and will take effect from Wednesday 19 February 2020. (Staff will be setting up classrooms in these alternative locations on Monday and Tuesday 16 and 17 February) :

Classes	Alternative arrangement made
P1A, P1B and P1/2	Prestonfield Primary School
P2A and P2B	Castleview Primary School
P3-P6	Castlebrae Community High School
P7	Inch House Community Education Centre

The council will provide transport for all pupils going to and leaving from the alternative schools. The pick up and drop off points will be close to Liberton Primary School and parents and carers will be advised during next week about details.

Details will be issued on Monday about how to pick up school bags and other personal possessions left in the school building.

The council has instructed structural engineers who will be examining the building over the weekend. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Paul Ewing, Head Teacher at Liberton Primary School, said: “This has obviously been a deeply upsetting time for the school and our pupils. I want to thank our staff, families and friends who have rallied round since the fire and all the messages of support from across the whole school community.

“We will be working closely with the four venues in finalising arrangements for our pupils and staff. I know everyone will be working together to ensure that our Liberton school family is supported.”

Education Convener Councillor Ian Perry said: “The safety of our pupils and staff is paramount. They’ll be naturally disappointed they can’t return to the school immediately but I’m sure they will fully understand that the whole school site has been impacted by the fire as I saw first-hand yesterday.

“Praise must go to everyone who has worked tirelessly over the past two days in reacting so swiftly and positively to this major incident. It’s been a huge challenge to put in place alternative plans to educate 500 pupils at such short notice.”

Education Vice Convener Councillor Alison Dickie said: “We realise the 48 hours since the fire has been a very unsettling time for families and staff. I’m glad we have put in place alternative arrangements so quickly and we will ensure parents are updated with further developments.

“Having visited Liberton Primary School a few months ago I know their dedicated teaching staff will work very closely with their colleagues at the schools to minimise any impact the new arrangements will have on pupils and families.”

Further updates will be issued to parents and posted on the Council’s website and social media channels.