Streatham: Supporting school community following fire

The school’s leadership and the council has arranged for the temporary site to open at the former Goldfinch Primary School in Cunliffe Street, Streatham. The site is suitable for learning and will allow all pupils to remain together as one school community.

Julian’s Primary School leadership has been keeping families regularly updated on the situation, and will continue to provide information. We are aware Julian’s leadership is aiming for children to return to school at the temporary site on September 22.

Councillor Ben Kind, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I understand how stressful and uncertain this period has been for families. We have been working closely with the school to support them during this extremely challenging time.

“The council has worked with the school to quickly secure a suitable site, within just over two weeks, to ensure disruption to pupil’s education is minimised.

“I want to thank all involved for their efforts in swiftly finding a temporary solution, and our work to help ensure Julian’s re-opens as quickly as possible will continue. We remain committed to supporting Julian’s Primary School and the wider community throughout this process, especially pupils and staff.”

The council is providing ongoing support to the school to ensure all necessary arrangements are made, including potential transport options. Remote learning and support for pupils on free school meals has been put in place ahead of the temporary site opening.

The fire at Julian’s Primary School started shortly after midnight on August 23 and was eventually brought under control by the London Fire Brigade. At the height of the response, 10 fire engines, a fire rescue unit, and an aerial appliance were deployed.

The building suffered significant damage, including to approximately 40 per cent of the roof at the rear of the school. Some 50 per cent of the whole building sustained water damage, primarily due to the sprinklers being activated. The entire Streatham site is currently unusable.

The former Goldfinch School site is available after Dunraven Educational Trust closed the site due to a drop in pupil numbers, an issue impacted primaries across London, including Lambeth.