More schools checked over unsafe ceiling concerns

Several ceilings were found to have safety concerns at Avenue Junior School forcing it to close

Surveys are being carried out on 23 schools after a junior school was forced to close over ceiling safety concerns.

Avenue Junior in Norwich was closed last week after a building surveyor identified "urgent concerns" with some of its lath and plaster ceilings. This method was used in old school buildings - Avenue Junior dates back to 1893 - but has since been replaced by plasterboard.

Norfolk County Council said it was looking for signs of "wear and tear" at similar aged schools which could cause issues if not repaired.

The council said it had completed surveys on about a quarter of schools at risk and none required "urgent action".

"The material itself is not dangerous," a spokesperson said.

"We know Avenue Junior has sent pupils back today and staff are working around the emergency repairs needed."

The council said it expected repair work at Avenue Junior to begin today and hoped to have it completed "as quickly as possible".

"We've notified the DfE (Department for Edcation), as well as writing to Norfolk's academy trusts," a spokesperson added.

Schools identified as being a potential risk include:

• Avenue Junior School

• Colby Primary School

• Holt Community Primary School

• Horning Community Primary School

• Mundesley Infant School

• Rocklands Community Primary School

• Scarning VC Primary School

• Swanton Morley VC Primary School

• The Clare School

• Magdalen Gates Primary School and Nursery

• The Parkside School - Surlingham House

• Old Catton CE Junior School

• Frettenham Primary School

• Hainford VC Primary School

• Reedham Primary and Nursery School

• Barford Primary School

• The Bawburgh School

• Ellingham CE VC Primary School

• Hempnall Primary School

• Hethersett VC Primary School

• Pulham CE Primary School

• Woodton Primary School

• Browick Road Primary And Nursery School