A SCHOOL faces weeks of disruption and is unlikely to open in time for the new term tomorrow, after it was left in a mess by the floods on August 24.

Glebe Infants School, Creswick Avenue, Rayleigh, suffered extensive water damage during the deluge.

Five classrooms, the ICT suite, library, corridors, foyer, all office areas, the kitchen, main hall and staff room have all been badly affected.

A statement to parents, from headteacher Sam Warner and chairman of governors Ian Hammond, said it was unlikely the school would be able to open tomorrow and that when it does, many classes will need to be taught in alternative locations for a number of weeks.

It continued: “We are already arranging these and hope to be able to update you soon.

“We are confident these areas will be on the site of Glebe School and should therefore cause you little inconvenience.

“We are very aware of the ramifications not only on the education of our children, but also on those of you who are working parents.”

The school said it is now planning a staggered return to school for each year group.

It plans for it to be done as quickly as possible, without compromising pupil safety.

The statement added: “We hope to get all children in to school by the end of the week. We anticipate that, worst case scenario; all children are in school by next Monday, September 9.

“The only exception to this would be our nursery class, which could take slightly longer. We have therefore asked for their classroom to be prioritised.”

Parent Lisa Barnes supports the school’s decision.

She wrote on the Echo’s Facebook page: “I feel it’s the safest and most sensible decision not to compromise children’s health and safety with the effects of damp which can be dangerous.

“I fully support the school.”

Builders have started to remove skirting boards due to damp starting to creep up the walls in some areas. The school now needs to find out how much damage has been done to the walls.

The school has been told the damp areas, up toa1m-high, will have to be removed. The junior school on the same site remains open as usual.