Hastings head teacher resigns amid fire controversy

The head teacher of a primary academy in Hastings has resigned amid more controversy over how the school dealt with a fire last week.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Mar 2016, 16:59 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2016, 18:08 BST

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Ore Village Primary Academy and Nursery. SUS-160323-115723001Ore Village Primary Academy and Nursery. SUS-160323-115723001
Ore Village Primary Academy and Nursery. SUS-160323-115723001

Parents have accused Ore Village Primary School of misleading them after an 11-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire on Wednesday, March 16.

Another parent, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Observer that children and staff were allowed to re-enter the school while the fire was ongoing before firefighters arrived.

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In a letter to parents, Ian McRae said he is resigning with immediate effect from today (Thursday, March 24).

An angry father said everyone was evacuated when the fire alarm went off but they were soon allowed back in, before a second alarm sent everyone out again.

When making enquiries, one teacher told him the alarm was a drill which is why they were allowed back into the school.

He claimed a different teacher said to him a power cut caused the first alarm and a fire was caused by it coming back on.

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He also said the gate between the exit and the playground was locked when they were evacuated meaning children had to wait in the playground before the caretaker unlocked it.

“If this was a drill, surely he would have been there ready to unlock them as the caretaker would have ‘known’ about the drill,” he said.

“I am also taking my children out of the school as I feel that safety of the children is not of great priority.

“The gates should not be chained and locked and a system in place where they automatically unlock in the event of a fire.”

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Mr McDonough and Miss Price will take over as co-head teachers from next term.

The academy trust TKAT has been contacted for comment.

Fire-hit Hastings school ‘misled parents’

Child arrested over Hastings school fire

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