School closed by devastating flood in classes

AN East Yorkshire primary school has been forced to close until the start of the next academic term after a devastating flood which saw eight litres of hot water a minute flow into classrooms overnight.

Riston Church of England Primary Academy said a boiler failure in an upper classroom had caused catastrophic damage that meant it would not be able to safely open to students again this school year. Classrooms were found to be under several centimetres of water.

The school has been disconnected from the power grid as the electrical supply within the building has been saturated with water. Children and staff at the school are temporarily being moved to Sigglesthorne and Sproatley for the remainder of the term.

In a statement to parents, the school said: “During the early hours of Tuesday, June 21, a water boiler failed at Riston Church of England Primary Academy, releasing seven to eight litres of hot water a minute into an upstairs classroom.

“When the caretaker opened the school at 7am, the devastation was clear to see. The upper classroom and the classroom below were under several centimetres of water. The electrical incoming and distribution was also saturated, with water pouring through the ceilings.

“As such we have had to close the school to begin the process of repairs and recovery. The school has had its electricity disconnected for safety reasons.

“The drying out process and the works required will not see the school open again before the new term in September. Children and staff are being temporarily housed at Sigglesthorne and Sproatley.

“We apologise for the continuous alarm, which was triggered by the event. The alarm system back up has now been silenced.

“We ask the community to bear with us during this difficult time.”