Children back at Duxford Preschool after fire
After 73 days since the fire that destroyed Duxford Primary School, the independently-run pre-school welcomed its children back on Monday (October 12).
The school was badly affected by a devastating fire on the evening of July 31, which was tackled by 50 firefighters.
It destroyed the pre-school and out-of-school club, and also gutted four classrooms, prompting a major crowdfunding campaign .
The county council has provided three double mobile units , each providing two classroom spaces with cloakrooms and toilets.
Natalie Hanlon, business manager at the school, said: “We are absolutely thrilled – it has been such a long 10 weeks.
“I don’t think we ever thought we’d get here but we have, so we’re really pleased.”
Natalie continued: “We hadn’t seen some of the children since March, because of Covid, and they all came in with absolutely no tears.
“They just ran up the ramp and straight into the school because they were so excited, and that was really heartwarming to see.”
Natalie notes that the teachers and pupils are currently in temporary accommodation - essentially portacabins provided by the local authority - for the next two years, while a new purpose-built pre-school and out-of-school club are being constructed.
“We couldn't have done it without the support of the local authority," said Natalie, "so we genuinely want to express our thanks to them for everything that they’ve done.”
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