A Huddersfield school had to close its early years unit after a devastating flood caused damage to furniture, walls and equipment.
Staff and parents at Linthwaite Clough Primary School have been praised for their help after the early years unit was found to be full of flood water earlier this week. In some places, the water was up to 30cms deep. The cost of the repairs is not known at this stage.
The flood followed a period of bad weather and was caused by a drainage problem, with water entering the building at ground level. Nursery and reception pupils have been unable to return to school since the flood, but they can return on Monday, January 13, thanks to the creation of a new classroom upstairs.
Headteacher James Roberts has thanked parents and staff for helping out in the aftermath. One parent, Ely Lockwood, has set up a Go Fund Me appeal which has already raised over £200 and can be found here.
Flood-damaged equipment and carpets at Linthwaite Clough Primary School, Huddersfield
(Image: Linthwaite Clough Primary School)
Mr Roberts told Yorkshire Live: “To say we couldn’t believe what we saw when we re-entered school after the Christmas break is an understatement.
“Returning to snow was one thing, but to find our EYFS (early years foundation stage) unit had flooded was another causing irreparable damage to furniture, floor coverings and resources as well as walls and the toilet area.
“I must firstly thank staff for their undoubted dedication to the school as they turned things around so quickly to ensure KS1 and KS2 could return to school on the Wednesday.
“EYFS staff have then been hard at work preparing a new classroom upstairs for the children and ensuring it is a warm and welcoming space.
Flooding at Linthwaite Clough Primary School in January 2025
(Image: Linthwaite Clough Primary School)
“Parents during this time have been incredible, setting up fundraisers, sending messages of support and donating their time to support, which have all been greatly received.
“Myself, EYFS staff and the whole staff team cannot thank everyone enough for their kind words and generosity. I cannot thank staff and parents enough for their support – the whole community has pulled together superbly!
“Although this has brought disruption to the school, we are all focussed on ensuring we continue to ensure we make the very best of the position we have been placed in and continue to push forward. We look forward to welcoming reception and nursery children back in school on Monday 13 January.”
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