PORTISHEAD Primary School is appealing for information after a significant amount of lead flashing was stolen from its roof.
The school, which is part of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, is located on Station Road.
The incident is believed to have taken place on Sunday night (September 10, 2023).
The essential lead was forcibly removed, causing damage to the roof tiles and skylight windows.
Staff at the school have said that they are "upset" that the school has been "targeted", especially considering they only welcomed pupils back last week.
The headteacher, Mrs L Sargent, said: “We are very upset that our school has been targeted and the damage that has been caused to our building. We welcomed our pupils back to school just last week.
"We are determined that this upsetting situation will not affect our positive start to the new academic year, and we will do our very best to ensure that repair works have a limited impact on lessons.”
The school has already contacted contractors to organise urgent repair works. They are also in the process of investigating whether the damage will be covered by their insurance. The school will remain open whilst repair works are carried out.
Tim Monelle, head of Trust Services at the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, said: “We are very grateful to the local contractor, Cornerstone Construction, who have already been out to survey the damage for us.
"It the difficult time for schools at the moment especially financially. Situations such as this add additional pressure onto all staff working hard to provide an inspiring work environment for the children to learn and develop.
"We urge other buildings in the local area to be vigilant as lead thefts
appear to be occurring in the local area.”
The Lighthouse Schools website reads: "The Lighthouse Schools Partnership is a Schools Trust providing education to children and young people from Nursery to Sixth Form.
"We are a not-for-profit charity with the key aim of ‘advancing education for public benefit’."
If you saw, heard, or have any CCTV or doorbell footage of the theft, you are urged to contact enquiries@lsp.org.uk.
Avon and Somerset Police has been contacted for a comment.
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