The Humble Petition of parents of pupils at Branfil Primary School (Upminster),
Sheweth, that the Petitioners believe that there is an urgent need to rebuild Branfil Primary School; notes that parts of the school have needed to close on many occasions, following the recent flooding of the Foundation Stage building, and other failings of services over the years; that children and teachers are missing out on important schooling, or that schooling is being compromised, by the fact that these facilities are not fit for purpose and need to be rebuilt this year; and that the petitioners believe that this is an embarrassment and that it is not acceptable for these buildings to be used for another winter.
Sheweth, that prefabs were originally constructed as temporary measures, but they are still standing 60 years on; that these structures may be suitable for garage or shed purposes, but they are not suitable for educational needs; that all classrooms are extremely cold throughout the winter, as there is no insulation; that the toilets are very cold and exposed to the elements all year round, because the doors are kept open because they are too heavy and dangerous for the children to use; that heating failures and burst pipes have closed the school, and seem to be a usual winter occurrence; that corridors are becoming wet and dangerous in wet periods, which is a risk to pregnant teachers; that there is asbestos present in the roofing material and perhaps in other areas, which is a health hazard; that the cost of heating and repairing the building must be very high over the long term; and notes that these are only a few of the health and safety and cost issues which should be taken seriously.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House urges the Government to take all possible steps to ensure that Branfil Primary School is rebuilt.
And your Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, &c.—[Presented by Angela Watkinson.]