Pupils turned away from East Yorkshire school after travellers move on to playing field

The Snaith School near Goole, where travellers have camped on the grounds. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

Snaith School in the village of Snaith, near Goole, is closed today for all pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9.

Head teacher Jean Pickerill announced that the decision had been taken because members of the travelling community had pitched up on the school field.

Children in Years 10 and 11 should attend the school as normal, a statement on the school’s website said.

Travellers have camped on playing fields outside Snaith School, near Goole. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

In a post addressed to parents and carers, dated yesterday (Sunday), Ms Pickerill wrote: “I am writing to inform you that we have members of the travelling community pitched on the school field. We have carried out a school risk assessment on site and have spoken with the family lead and they have assured us that they will be leaving school premises on Tuesday as they are awaiting some vehicular repairs.

“To ensure the safety of all pupils and staff, I feel that we can secure the rest of the site to ensure that some pupils are able to attend school as normal tomorrow (Monday, June 13), whilst we carry out a more detailed risk assessment with the Local Authority tomorrow morning.

“School will be closed for all pupils in Year 7, 8 and 9, they all have revision for internal examinations and should use the time to complete this (we will rearrange the examinations that they should be taking tomorrow).

“Year 10 and 11 should attend school as normal – arrangements had already been made for Year 11 to take part in compulsory Science revision and this will go ahead as planned tomorrow morning.

“With parental permission re the letter distributed to parents on Friday, they are able to revise at home in the afternoon unless they are studying GCSE History, Health and Social Care or Product Design these pupils will be in lesson as normal in the afternoon.

“Year 10 should attend and normal lessons will run all day for the year group.

“I know that these arrangements will cause a significant inconvenience for parents/ carers and for this I can only apologise, but the safeguarding of the pupils on site is of paramount importance.”