Additional Norfolk Schools Require Urgent Ceiling Repairs

Four additional schools in Norfolk have been identified as needing urgent repairs to their ceilings, bringing the total number to 19. This follows inspections conducted by Norfolk County Council across 60 schools, which were initiated after a partial ceiling collapse occurred at Fakenham Junior School in September. Old Catton Junior, Colby Primary School, Terrington St John Primary School, and Wreningham Primary School have all been added to the 15 schools previously listed. While work at some schools is yet to be carried out and completed, the council estimates the cost will exceed £100,000. The schools have been inspected due to ceilings constructed using the lath and plaster method. This technique involves strips of wood nailed to walls and ceilings and then covered with plaster, which the authority stated “could be at risk of cracking and collapsing if damaged.” Norfolk County Council reported that repair work took place at seven schools during the half-term period to minimize disruption. Work at many of the 11 other schools was nearing completion, including Woodton Primary, which has utilized Woodton Parish Council’s hall for some classes. However, work had not yet commenced in one school where a staff room is affected. The authority also stated that academies are responsible for their own maintenance programmes and confirmed it had written to trusts to notify them of the issue.