A HOTEL next to Southend Airport is set to be transformed into classrooms for children at a Rochford school that remains closed following the discovery of asbestos. 

Other children from the King Edmund School, in Vaughan Close, Rochford, will be transported on coaches 25-miles to Gaynes School, in Upminster, so they can resume face-to-face lessons. 

The school closed on November 15 after “traces of asbestos” were found during building work, with children not expected to return to the site until January 23. 

READ MORE >> Shoppers left devastated as popular café in Southend shopping centre suddenly closes

A letter sent home to parents yesterday confirmed the school are preparing different venues, including Gaynes School, in Brackendale Gardens, Upminster, Freight House, in Bradley Way, Rochford, and the Holiday Inn, near Southend Airport.

Jonathan Osborn, headteacther, wrote: “Work has been continuing over the Christmas holiday preparing the different venues - Gaynes School, expansion of the Freight House and Holiday Inn in particular. Unfortunately, the IT resources in the venues are not fully ready.

“It is likely the work will be finished today, but it is not certain. I have therefore taken the decision that, to ensure everything is fully ready and will work successfully for students, that all of the above will start on Monday, January 9.

“I am very sorry for this change, but it is vital that everything is in place for the new arrangements to be successful.

“I will write again as soon as possible to confirm final arrangements for students.”

These sites were due to be ready for students today but have been pushed back until January 9.

A Department for Education spokesperson added: “We are continuing to push for works on the school site to be completed as quickly as possible and will continue to keep parents updated.

Many parents on social media have raised concerns about, what is claimed Year 11s and 13s, will be those heading on coaches to Gaynes School, in Upminster.

Parents are worried about the “pointless” travel for what is claimed to only be a 9am till 1pm day.

Teresa Willis, a parent of a Year 11 student, added: “I am fuming, and utterly speechless.

“No consideration has been given to the well-being and the emotional impact to our kids, that have already had so much to deal with when it comes to their education.

“The parents are not communicated anywhere enough either, it is all so disorganised.

“They haven’t given us any other option, so we have no choice but to send my child all the way to Upminster for just nine till one.

“It would be better to keep it on Teams until the 23rd, rather than go to Upminster,”