Pupils return to arson-hit Wednesfield school

However, it is business as usual this week at St Albans Church of England School, which opened its gates once again to the delight of pupils and staff.

Since the arson attack on February 5, the youngsters have been taught at Coppice Performing Arts School, Berrybrook School and The Hub at Ashmore Park.

They returned to St Albans in high spirits after the February half-term break, eager to reacquaint themselves with a building they could so easily have lost.

Headteacher Helen Morris said: "The atmosphere today was extremely positive, the children were really excited to be back which was wonderful to see.

"Some didn't know the true extent of the damage so when they saw that their classrooms and work hadn't been damaged, they were delighted.

"All of the staff were happy to be back too, it just feels great to look forward now and put this behind us."

Around 40 firefighters attended the blaze, which saw huge flames tear through the roof and caused extensive damage to the Ashmore Park school's main hall and adjacent office accommodation.

After it was announced by West Midlands Police that the fire was being treated as arson, the local community pulled together to show support for the school and ensure that disruption was kept to a minimum.

While the hall will remain closed as the repair works continue, the rest of the school was run as usual for the first day back.

Mrs Morris said: "We are having to make a few temporary arrangements to get through this period, such as using two classrooms as dining rooms, but the children are still getting a nutritious and balanced meal.

"Despite all of the negativity that surrounds the arson, the pupils have been given an opportunity to see how important they are to the community, who have been amazing over these last few weeks."

The reopening of St Albans also tied in with the start of another new era for the school, who have just been taken out of special measures by education watchdog Ofsted.

The school had been informed of the decision just one day before the attack.

Mrs Morris said: "The fire has overshadowed what is a great achievement for us.

"We are now in a position to tell the parents we have been taken out of special measures and that is good news to break to them at this time."

Councillor Phil Bateman, who represents Wednesfield North, said the community spirit shown in the wake of the fire was heartening to see.

He said: "Out of the most dastardly act has come a magnificent showing of community spirit.

"I always knew it was there but to see it come out like it did after the fire was heart warming.

"I think people in the area have done themselves proud and it is great to see the children back where they belong."