Braintree primary school delays reopening after fire
Temporary accommodation is being sought for pupils at a primary school which was devastated by fire days before the new term was due to start.
A fire destroyed the main building at John Ray Infant School in Braintree, Essex, on Saturday. Pupils were due to return on Tuesday.
County council officials have met to plan how to provide a temporary site as soon as possible for the school, which will not now reopen as scheduled.
Details are expected later this week.
'Saddened and shocked'
Ray Gooding, cabinet member for education, said: "The school has excellent leadership.
"I have every confidence that once we can arrange temporary accommodation they will continue to provide very good education to the children through this difficult period.
"I am also immediately looking into plans for a properly rebuilt school."
Head teacher Sandra Way said:"I was incredibly saddened and shocked by the fire on Saturday and am disappointed that there will be a delay to the start of the new term.
"We will be working closely with the district and county council to ensure we can start the new school year as soon as possible."
There is no damage to the junior school which will reopen as planned.
Six fire engines and an aerial ladder platform were sent to the scene and 30 firefighters tackled the blaze.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.