Foreland Fields School in Ramsgate has closed its doors following a malicious email threat sent on Saturday (January 17).
The SEN school, which has around 220 pupils with Profound, Severe and Complex Needs, shut the site on Saturday, cancelling all clubs and informing police.
An investigation by officers was carried out and it was deemed there was no risk to pupils, staff, parents and visitors at that time.
In a message to parents at the weekend, the school said: “Our school site is covered by CCTV, monitored continuously by an external company and no concerns have been identified.”
The school was expected to open this morning as usual. However, parents and carers have now been notified that a decision has been made to remain shut as a precaution.
Further precautionary measures include closing satellite provisions such as Garlinge classes, the Hartsdown class and East Kent College provision.
A message to parents says: “We understand this decision may have caused concern. We would like to reassure you that the welfare and safety of your child is our top priority.”
Adrian Mount, headteacher at Foreland Fields School, said: “We made the decision to close the school today as a precautionary measure after receiving additional information about a threatening email.
“We immediately alerted Kent Police who are investigating and have continued to reassure us they believe the threat is non-credible.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and community remain our highest priority. We understand this situation may cause concern; however, we want to reassure families that there is no identified risk to the school community.”
An update on when the school will reopen is expected later today (January 19).
A Kent Police spokesperson said: “It was reported to Kent Police at 7.15am on Saturday 17 January that a school in Newlands Lane, Ramsgate, had received an e-mail in which threats were made.
“Staff have closed the school as a precaution, and whilst officers are treating the threat as non-credible at this time, the correspondence is being investigated.
“Officers are attending the school to liaise with staff and will be in the area for reassurance.
“Anyone with relevant information to assist enquiries should contact Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 17-0243.”
Last month there was a police presence at Chatham and Clarendon Grammar sites in Ramsgate following a malicious threat made to the school. An email was received which “threatened to burn down the school and everyone in it.”
Staff took immediate action to check CCTV and contact police.
Quite an over reaction
Wow! Is it really that easy to close down a school?
Who targets a Sen school with vulnerable children, some people really are awful.
The head teacher did the correct thing in closing the school. Until the school was fully confident after speaking with all partner agencies. Total despicable behaviour I hope the individual or individuals involved are brought before the courts,if they originate from the UK.
And what if they are not from the UK which is more than likely. We wouldn’t threaten our own people !
Their origin is irrelevant. Everyone in this country is subject to U.K. law in the same way unless they are subject to diplomatic immunity.
KT -Why do you think it’s more than likely that the person who made the threat is not a UK citizen?