Sevenoaks Primary School Shut by Vandals

Hundreds of primary school children in Sevenoaks have been told they cannot return to classes after the summer holidays end on 2nd September.

The annoucement by the school followed the theft of power cables which caused a power surge that destroyed much of the equipment in the building in Bradbourne Park Road, leaving it unsafe.

The MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley, Laura Trott, said on Wednesday 21st August that she had been in contact with the school's Headteacher, Co-Chair of Governors, Leader of KCC, Cabinet Member at KCC for Education and KCC officers.

Laura Trott said: "I have been clear that we need to do everything possible to get the children back into the classroom as soon as possible, and explore options for this to happen offsite if the school is unsafe."

She continued: "I have been so touched with the offers that have come forward since my post, including from some excellent local headteachers and local sports clubs. We really do have the best community here in Sevenoaks and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been in touch."

Laura Trott (pictured below) then stated: "Kent County Council must now investigate these offers urgently. I have also been in touch with Kent Police to find out what they are doing following the incident to find the perpetrators."

Laura Trott's statement ended: "I totally understand that parents are anxious, especially those who have children due to sit the Kent Test on 11th September, and those who are now trying to find emergency childcare. This is an incredibly difficult and stressful time for all involved."

At the end of last term a cable was damaged in the main road outside the building, causing a power cut.

A temporary generator was used in the school to restore power to the school, but over the holidays cables were removed by theives.

According to the school, while the thieves took the earth and neutral cables, they left the live cable running uncontrolled electricity through the building, causing thousands of pounds of damage.

It is estimated that repairs will take at least four weeks, and around 450 children in Years 2 to 6 are being asked to stay at home until further notice.

The school will be open to pupils in Reception and Year 1, using undamaged parts of the campus. 

In a letter circulated to parents on Wednesday, Cassandra Malone, the head teacher of the school in Bradbourne Park Road, said: “While the theft alone would be simply hideous in isolation, the damage this has now caused is so upsetting.

“The main school building now requires extensive repairs.

“I know that parents will be devastated to hear this news. However, we are thankful that no-one was hurt and that the damage can be repaired.

“We are all working hard to have this resolved as quickly as possible in the interests of everyone’s safety.”

Mrs Malone said that special arrangements would be made for those Year 6 pupils due to sit their Kent Test for a grammar school place.

Kent County Council said: “We are aware of a power outage currently affecting Sevenoaks Primary School and we are working closely with staff to help them find a solution.

"Parents and carers will be contacted directly through the school if alternative arrangements are needed for the Kent Test."