Parents are “angry and distressed” about the ongoing closure of a special school in Merseyside, and believe the situation is having a negative impact on their children. Alt Bridge School in Huyton has been closed for several days, and there is no definite date for when the pupils can return.

The LDRS was contacted by one concerned parent who has children attending the special school. They asked to remain anonymous, but told us about the difficulties they have faced over the last few weeks: “We were told the heating had gone at the start of December, so the kids were going into an unheated school at the height of winter.

“They struggled on until the end of term and then we started getting messages in January, just as we were preparing to get the kids ready for another school year.

Alt Bridge School in Huyton has been closed for several days, and there is no definite date for when the pupils can return | Karola G/Pexels

placeholder image — Alt Bridge School in Huyton has been closed for several days, and there is no definite date for when the pupils can return | Karola G/Pexels

“They were supposed to go back on the 5th of January, but children were off all last week, and now we don’t know when they can go back.”

The LDRS has been shown a series of messages, sent by the school to parents. The first message was sent at approximately 7.45am on January 4. It reads: “We are currently experiencing issues with the heating in the main school building this morning, and our team is working hard to resolve the problem as soon as possible.”

This was followed by a message sent later that day at 9pm, advising parents the school will reopen on Monday, January 5, and asks its pupils to “dress warmly”, due to the cold weather and the lack of heating. However, the next morning, the school sent another update: “Unfortunately, the current inclement weather is causing a number of issues this morning.

“Transport to and from school for students is affected due to road conditions and the school site is currently not accessible due to ice/snow. As we are unable to ensure the health and safety of all on site, school will be closed today. Online learning will be available.”

After several days of being closed, parents were told the school would reopen, but more problems arose on January 14 when Alt Bridge’s headteacher confirmed the school will be fully closed this week.

The headteacher wrote: “I offer sincere apologies that this is the position we are in currently. I understand that this is not ideal and will create disruption and potentially distress for some learners.

“I can only assure all parents and carers that we have exhausted every option to be able to open safely without heating during this period and that contractors are working every day, during evenings and over the weekend to get the heating system repaired as soon as possible.”

Responding to a question about the impact of the school’s closure on families, a parent told us: “The kids have been off for four weeks now, and making plans and schedules are up the wall.

“Many parents work and they’re having to take time off. A lot of the kids as well are on school lunches, so there’s the added financial strain on other parents who rely on that service because they are struggling financially.

“More than that, the kids who attend specialist schools really rely on structure and routine and this is a really difficult situation and is having a really negative impact on their wellbeing.

“They say there will be online learning, but one of the main benefits of having specialist schools is the in-person tuition, and online learning is not suitable for many of the kids, and can only meaningfully engage and learn within a school setting.

“Parents are just angry and confused because we don’t really know what’s going on, it’s distressing, and I know my children have been quite frustrated being dropped off, picked up, and not going in, and it’s just been a little all over the place, to be honest.

“Obviously, the safety and comfort for the kids is of utmost importance, but it’s just confusing why this hasn’t been fixed for over a month now, and the kids have had no heating when they were in, and now have no school because of it, and we have no definite date of when they will reopen.”

Natalie Menagh, headteacher at Alt Bridge School, told the LDRS: “The safety of our pupils and staff is our main priority and whilst we have been relying on temporary heaters whilst the main heating system is being repaired, the electricity went off yesterday leaving us without heating or lighting.

“The heating repairs are ongoing and as soon as we can safely welcome staff and pupils back into the school building, we will.”

Ms Menaugh added: “EHCP reviews are continuing and we are also ensuring that online learning is available to pupils.

“We are working as fast as we can to have the repairs completed and school open as soon as possible.”

The parent we spoke to said several other people “out of sheer desperation” have contacted Knowsley Council, in the hope it will advocate for the parents, and liaise directly with the school. A Knowsley Council spokesperson told the LDRS: “An issue with the heating system at Alt Bridge School occurred unexpectedly and unfortunately, it needs significant repairs.

“The council has been in regular contact with the school regarding alternative heating arrangements as well as co-ordinating the repairs. Temporary heaters were being used whilst the repair work was undertaken, but unfortunately, this has caused issues with the electricity demand placed upon the school.

“In the absence of heating and lighting, and with staff and pupil safety a priority, the school had no other choice but to close the school. The council is working closely with the school to support interim education arrangements and ensure that families have clear information about learning expectations and the range of support available during the closure.”