In August 2023, a national crisis hit schools in England when it was discovered that many buildings contained RAAC (Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete), a material that posed safety risks. As a result, all schools with suspected or confirmed RAAC were required to close the affected buildings. In Norfolk, Thomas Bullock CE Primary and Nursery Academy was the only school impacted by the closure, causing significant disruption to both the school and its surrounding community.
For several months, the school’s hall remained closed, forcing staff and students to hold assemblies, PE lessons, and collective worship in classrooms and outdoors. To alleviate the situation, a marquee was erected on the school’s field three months after the closure, thanks to the efforts of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT).
Head of Estates, Mr. Darren Williams, expressed his satisfaction with the timely progress of the project despite the considerable demand on construction teams and school staff:
“I am so pleased at how well the project has kept to schedule considering the incredible demand required by the construction team, Thomas Bullock Leaders, School Staff, and our Estates Team. The hall will provide a safe and pleasant environment for years to come for the children, families and staff of Thomas Bullock.”
Executive Headteacher Shannon O’Sullivan was equally enthusiastic about the reopening.
“We are thrilled that after a huge effort by so many parties, our School Hall is set to reopen after the Christmas break. This will be an incredibly joyous occasion.”
She went on to highlight that for over 100 Nursery, Reception, and Year 1 pupils, January 2025 will mark the first time they have had access to the hall for lunch, learning, worship, assemblies, and PE.
In a celebration of the school’s resilience and the community’s support, Lady Dannatt, Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk, and the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen will officially open the hall. Several local dignitaries and representatives from The Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust will also be present for the official reopening on Friday, 10th January. The school has also planned a special reading morning for families that week.
As the school prepares to return to normal, there are plans for exciting events in the Spring term, including performances by The Britten Sinfonia Tiny Magic Orchestra and a visit from the Mobile Planetarium. The reopening of the school hall will not only restore a vital space for learning but also signify a return to joy and community spirit for the students and families of Thomas Bullock CE Primary and Nursery Academy.
Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust said:
‘’Despite being the only school in Norfolk affected by RAAC Thomas Bullock Primary School has shown exceptional resilience. The Executive Headteacher, Shannon O’Sullivan, has been instrumental in continuing to deliver a great education throughout, by remaining positive but striving for the best for children. All the staff, children and families are to be commended for both their patience and support throughout. It means a lot and the completion of the works is a fantastic celebration to not only the school but Norfolk becoming RAAC free!“
Notes:
The school has 30 members of staff and 221 pupils.
The school is federated with Lyng Church of England Primary Academy and the executive headteacher oversees both schools in the federation.
More than a quarter of all young people in the area attend Diocesan schools. There are 110 schools in the Diocese family, of which 42 are DNEAT academies [June 2024].
All Diocese schools and Academies are united in their approach which is rooted in Christian values and mutual support.