I wanted to provide a brief update on the situation following the closure of St James' School.
I have spoken throughout the day to the Headteacher, Mr Tutt, who with his staff, has been doing a characteristically outstanding job in responding effectively to a very sudden and challenging situation.
I have also spoken throughout the day with the Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Schools, and also to the Minister of State for Schools in the Government. Both confirmed that when this type of defective concrete is discovered there is no safe alternative but to take it immediately out of use.
Mr Tutt will have briefed you on the alternative arrangements for pupils that he has been able to establish in the last 24 hours with the help of Kent County Council, the Diocese and other local schools. I also know that many other partners - such as Tunbridge Wells Borough Council - have also been quick to offer help.
The Minister for Schools has assured me that the costs incurred will be met centrally and will not be a drain on the resources of St James’, the Diocese or Kent County Council.
I have also spoken this afternoon to the Chief Inspector of Schools (the Head of Ofsted) to ask her to allow St James’ the opportunity to ask to postpone any unannounced Ofsted inspection during the weeks ahead when it is operating temporarily across three different sites. It is not that St James’ would not impress the inspectors - I have no doubt it would - but that it would not be a representative time to assess the normal life of the school.
Mr Tutt and the Governing Body know that I will do everything that I can to help them get through an unexpected and exceptionally demanding few weeks. I will keep in regular touch with him, Kent County Council and the Minister for Schools to unblock any obstacles that may arise during the weeks ahead.