ONE of Bradford’s largest schools - which was forced into emergency closure yesterday - has reopened today.
Dixons Allerton Academy, on Rhodesway, was shut yesterday - with principal Richard Wilson saying the closure was "due to an issue with our kitchen facilities, which meant we were unable to ensure we could safely provide meals for all our students".
The Telegraph & Argus put a series of questions to the school regarding the closure yesterday - but the academy trust did not elaborate any further.
The school is yet to clarify what the specific issue is with the kitchen which has led to speculation amongst parents.
Letter sent out to parents
In a letter, Mr Wilson confirmed the school would be open as usual to all students today - but would only be able to offer a "cold food option at lunchtimes".
Mr Wilson thanked parents for their "speedy response" to yesterday's "unforeseen closure" and added: "I appreciate it is very difficult for families to change their routine at short notice.
"The safety of our children is paramount, and I hope you will see why it was so important to gain permission from parents for students to leave the site.
"All our students were safely offsite by 11am.
"The closure was due to an issue with our kitchen facilities, which meant we were unable to ensure we could safely provide meals for all our students.
"The academy will be open as usual to all students on Thursday, December 4.
"We will be able to offer a cold food option at lunchtimes only.
"If you would prefer, or if your child has specific dietary requirements, please send them with a packed lunch."
Yesterday, one parent told the T&A that the school had sourced sandwiches for today.
They added: "Like all parents when we send our children to school we expect a hot meal to be provided, not sandwiches."
'Difficult decision'
The school announced it was shut yesterday in a notice on Bradford Council's emergency school closures list.
The alert was sent almost halfway into the school day - but parents said children were told about the closure shortly before 10am.
In a letter seen by the T&A yesterday, the school told parents: "Due to unforeseen circumstances with our kitchen, we have made the difficult decision to close the school to all students.
"We simply do not have the capacity to provide meals for 2,000 students safely and adequately."
