Pupils return as team spiritwins the day

Riverside School, Hebden Bridge. Year six with their teacher Andrew Raven and school business manager Sarah Kaler in their makeshift classroom.

The school, at Holme Street, fell victim to the devastating deluge which swamped the building and left its ground floor ruined.

The kitchen, which supplies school meals for other schools in Hebden Bridge, and three classrooms are also out of action.

Despite the challenges, the hard work of staff meant a sense of normality returned as the school opened its doors again.

Riverside School, Hebden Bridge. Parents drop off children.

School business manager Sarah Kaler said: “It’s just team spirit, how resourceful and resilient staff have been working in extreme circumstances.

“It has been a challenge, but we’re relishing it.

“The children are still smiling, but they have just got on with it. For some, their homes had been flooded, their school had been flooded and it must have been very difficult for those children, but it was fantastic to see them come back in.”

It’s thought the full refurbishment of the school will not be complete until after Easter.

Riverside School, Hebden Bridge. Head teacher Rachel Burton with Cathy Greenaway.

The school is already looking forward to assess how it can defend itself against flooding and mitigate the damage as far as possible.

Burnley Road AcademyMytholmroyd, also fell victim to the floods. The school’s Key Stage 2 pupils have now moved into Calder High School.

Reception and Year 1 children have been moved to Savile Park Primary School.

It’s thought the school will be closed for around six months while repairs and refurbishments are carried out.

Meanwhile, Year 1 pupils from Central Street Infant School are being taught at Stubbings Infant and Nursery School, Hebden Bridge.