Late Start For Schools

Pupils at two schools are having an extended summer break as work to repair flood damage has pushed back the start of term by nearly a week.

It has been all hands on deck for staff and helpers at Helmdon and Cropredy Primary Schools since floods hit on July 20, causing wide spread damage to both.

Cropredy’s acting head Daphne Elliott has found herself thrown in at the deep end throughout the summer having not been due to take up the post until September 1.

“The whole school was flooded,” she said.  “The main reason we’re opening late is because the carpets have only just been finished.”

“Teachers, teaching assistants, helpers and villagers have all been wonderful and I have to thank them all.”

Only one half of the school will open on Monday while work continues.

Helmdon head teacher Sue Blackburn has had similar problems to contend with but pupils will return on Monday.