Water contamination found at Auchenharvie Academy ahead of new term

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hundreds of pupils will begin the new school term learning from home after the water system was found to be contaminated at one of North Ayrshire's biggest schools.Auchenharvie Academy will not reopen as planned on Monday after traces of legionella bacteria were discovered in the supply.Pupils at the Stevenston school will now be scattered across a number of different locations - with those in S4-S6 asked to take part in virtual learning from home - when they return to class for the new term.

Council chiefs today admitted that they had been unable to obtain sampling results following a disinfection of the water system.They will now use alternative accommodation until getting the all clear to confirm the legionella is no longer present.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.

From Monday, August 21, temporary alternative arrangements will be in place for different years groups:Pupils who need the tools to work at home will be offered Chromebooks to take part in the virtual lessons and will be able to collect them from Auchenharvie Academy tomorrow (Friday, August 18) from 8am-4pm.