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Sheffield City Council has approved £720,000 in funding to provide a temporary fix for issues with the roof at Carterknowle Junior School.
The Finance and Performance Committee voted unanimously to approve the allocation at their meeting on Monday (16 March).
In January, the school was temporarily closed after parts of the ceiling fell in a classroom, which was attributed to longstanding issues caused by a leaking roof. Debris had also fallen in the staff room at the beginning of the academic year.
The funding will allow for protective materials around the roof to catch any falling hazards, remove damaged classroom ceilings, and construct a temporary roof structure to prevent further damage.
A report published to the committee recommending the funding to be passed described the roof as in a “severely deteriorated state.”
It also said that “roof tiles and other materials” had been falling from the building, causing parts of the school playground to close, and that “water ingress” was degrading the ceiling.
Martin Phipps, Green Party councillor for the City ward, said at the meeting that he and his party “really welcome” the funding.
He also said: “I know the state of the school’s roof and ceilings are something that has been really concerning for the safety of the children and the staff and I can only imagine it’s been really concerning for the parents of pupils and I’ve heard some of that concern.
“It’s really desperately important that we make that school safe as soon as possible. So really welcome the item for approval to do this.
“On the other hand, it’s really regrettable how the school has deteriorated to this point. And I guess that reflects the underfunding we’ve seen over a long period of time for schools and something we desperately need to change.”
A full roof replacement had already been commissioned; However, as construction will not begin until 2027, the temporary fix is required to prevent further deterioration and to ensure the safety of the school community.
The committee also agreed to fund a new heating system at Reignhead Primary School, as well as refurbished quiet rooms, sensory rooms and outdoor spaces at The Rowan Primary School.