North Ayrshire high school unable to open for new term after legionella discovered in water supply
Trace amounts of the bacteria were discovered during routine tests at Auchenharvie Academy, with pupils to start the new term elsewhere
Pupils at Auchenharvie Academy in Stevenston will be sent to other schools and venues at the start of the new school year, after legionella bacteria were found in the building’s water supply.
The discovery was made during North Ayrshire Council’s water-quality monitoring programme, with traces of the bacteria found.
Results of follow up tests not yet available
The council says a full clean, flush and disinfect of the building’s water system took place immediately and follow-up assurance samples were taken.
But the contractor responsible for testing water samples has been unable to provide the subsequent results ahead of the start of the new term.
North Ayrshire Council says while its confident the measures already taken have dealt with the issue, the safety of pupils and staff is paramount.
Therefore, the decision has been taken to send pupils elsewhere for learning until the test results confirm legionella is no longer present.
From Monday:
• S1 pupils will attend St Matthew’s Academy
• S2 pupils will attend Ardrossan Civic Centre
• S3 will attend Saltcoats Town Hall
• S4-6 pupils will take part in virtual learning from home.
Any pupils who require any resources to work at home or a Chromebook in order to take part in the virtual lessons will be able to collect them from Auchenharvie Academy on Friday between 8am and 4pm.
Auchenharvie Academy Head Teacher Calum Johnston said: “The safety and wellbeing of our young people and staff must come first.
“We will be in touch with all parents to advise them of the temporary arrangements and thank them for their patience and understanding.
“I would also like to thank all the different teams across the Council who have rallied round at such short notice to ensure our young people do not miss out.”
School meals will be provided – free of charge – to all pupils who are attending at St Matthew’s, Ardrossan Civic Centre or Saltcoats Town Hall.
Parents will also be advised by the school on any temporary transport arrangements which may be put in place to ensure their child can safely attend at the alternative location.
Safety of pupils and staff the priority
Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: “This is a development which could not have been foreseen and was totally outwith our control.
“Unfortunately, there has been a delay in the Council obtaining the results ahead of the new term commencing.
“With the safety of our pupils and staff our priority, and purely as a precaution, the decision has been taken to provide alternative arrangements in the short term.
“However, it does show our rigorous water-quality regime works as intended and ensures the continued safety of our young people and staff. While the chances of contracting legionella are incredibly small, it isn’t a risk we are prepared to take.
“We hope parents and pupils understand the reasoning behind this decision – it wasn’t an easy call to make but it is the correct one.”
It is currently anticipated that the test results will be available next week. A decision on when classes will resume at Auchenharvie will be made as soon as possible and parents will be kept fully informed.