Move to temporary accommodation delayed for Central Integrated Primary School in Carrickfergus

Central Integrated Primary School had commenced a period of remote learning after a structural issue was identified with the roof at their Thomas Street premises.

Staff and pupils were due to move to alternative accommodation at North Street Presbyterian Church Halls on Thursday, September 24.

However, the school was informed on Wednesday evening, September 23 that following further investigations by EA, “additional testing” was required before the church halls could be approved for use by the pupils and staff.

Principal, Nuala Hall expressed her disappointment at the ‘last-minute’ change. “I am extremely upset and angry that we find ourselves in this position again, particularly given how late this decision has been communicated,” she said.

“Families had made arrangements, work commitments had been adjusted, childcare plans had been organised, and children were looking forward to returning to their normal routines. I fully appreciate the inconvenience, frustration and disappointment this last-minute change will cause.

"This decision has not been made by the school. We have worked tirelessly over recent days to prepare the church halls and ensure everything was ready for learning to resume. As principal, I am devastated that, after all the hard work undertaken by staff and the patience shown by our families, we are once again unable to open as planned.

“While I understand that safety must always remain the priority, I share [parents’] frustration at the timing of this decision and the impact it has on our entire school community. At present, I am awaiting further information from the Education Authority regarding the additional tests required and the likely timescale involved.”

In a statement, an Education Authority spokesperson said: "We share the frustrations of parents, children and staff at the temporary closure of Central Integrated Primary School.

"The engineering report on the structural issues that led to the closure has been expedited, and the EA will provide an update on its findings and any required remedial works as soon as possible. The safety of children will always be our top priority.

"We will continue to work with the school on solutions, including the potential temporary use of alternative premises. Assurance is needed on a range of key areas before any premises can be approved for school use, however temporary. Unfortunately, approval for one option was not possible this week. It was not suitable for use as a school at this point."