Liberton Primary: Pupils at fire-hit Edinburgh school to return full time in August

Parents at a fire-damaged Edinburgh primary school have been told their children will be able to return to school grounds fulltime from August 12.

The news comes following concerns among parents and the council that Liberton Primary School pupils would need to return to off-campus, alternative learning spaces after a fire destroyed part of the school’s main building in February this year.

Construction on 12 modular classrooms to replace those that were damaged was halted due to the coronavirus crisis.

However, building has now resumed, and the new classrooms should be ready for use by September 2.

In the meantime, emergency Portakabins will serve as temporary classrooms and toilet facilities within Liberton Primary School grounds when schools return on August 11.

No pupils will need to be transported to other schools or settings.

Education Convener, Cllr Ian Perry, said: “I’m sure parents will welcome the news that they’ll no longer have to send their children to other schools for the start of the new term.

“Even though the pandemic has meant a slight delay for their new modular classrooms it’s been a great effort to get the temporary ones on the Liberton Primary School site in time for August.”

Education Vice Convener, Cllr Alison Dickie, said: “There’s no doubt the past five months has been very stressful for both families and staff affected by the decant arrangements and then the impact of the pandemic.

“I know they’ll be relieved to hear that their school community will be back together for the start of the new term and I can’t thank everyone enough for how their patience and understanding during this unsettling period.”