School relocated after moorland fire at Winter Hill

Children at a Rivington primary school have been relocated to another school following the Winter Hill fire, say fire services.
The schoolis expected to remain at the alternative premises until further notice.The schoolis expected to remain at the alternative premises until further notice.
The schoolis expected to remain at the alternative premises until further notice.

Rivington Foundation Primary School moved to the Albany Academy site on July 5.

The decision was made by the school on the advice of fire service personnel over concerns over temperatures and wind directions.

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Headteacher Mrs Annette said in a letter home to parents : "Again, we are extremely saddened to have to close school especially in such worrying circumstances.

The schoolis expected to remain at the alternative premises until further notice.The schoolis expected to remain at the alternative premises until further notice.
The schoolis expected to remain at the alternative premises until further notice.

"After advice, it was the only option left to ensure the safety of our children. At this moment in time the fires are not stable and very unpredictable which could mean that we would be placing children and staff in a dangerous position which would require us to constantly keep evacuating the building.

"We have no choice but to listen to the advice provided. School itself is filled with the smell of smoke and a layer of ash and it will need a good clean before the children return to it.

"Our time at Albany has been fantastic and we cannot thank Mr. Mayland and his staff for opening his doors to us and accommodating all our needs with such kindness – no request has been too much.

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"We are all very impressed with the standards and expectations at Albany and we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Mayland and his staff for creating such an exceptional school. I would also like to thank the Rivington team and Governors who have been such a vital support for the children and me during this week.

"What we lack in space we make up for in heart. It saddens me greatly that due to the present situation we are going to have to cancel the KS2 shows for this week. We just haven’t had the opportunity to prepare or the space with which to perform.

"At the present time, we are putting together what we have for a larger performance on the last day of term – hopefully this will help to reduce any disappointment. You all know how much I enjoy our shows so we will do our best to ensure that the children are given the opportunity to shine."

The school is expected to remain at the alternative premises until further notice, a spokesman for the school said.

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In a statement on its website, the school thanked everyone who had helped them move.

It read: "Thank you for all your support in our new, temporary home. Thank you to all the people who got us there and we'll see you again tomorrow. Updates will be given by Friday, July 13.

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