Pupils from one of the largest primary schools in Ipswich have an extra week’s holiday after asbestos was disturbed by contractors working on the building.

Children will not be returning to Broke Hall Primary School, on Chatsworth Drive, until next Monday – September 12 – after builders discovered the asbestos while working in the school last Friday.

An inspection showed that a major clean-up was needed and headteacher Jenny Barr has written to parents with the news over the weekend.

In her letter to parents she says: “It is with great disappointment that I am writing to inform you that the school will not be opening as planned on Monday 5th September.

“On Friday 2nd September, as part of the ongoing building works being carried out at the school, asbestos was disturbed in the library area.

“Following advice from specialist contractors and Suffolk County Council, myself and the governors have taken the difficult decision to close the school until at least Monday 12th September.

“Whilst the incident has been fully contained and clean-up work is already underway by a specialist contractor, I am not willing to have staff or pupils on site until I have received the ‘all clear’.

“As Heathlands has not been affected it remains open as normal and the Year 5 residential trip next weekend will go ahead as planned.

“I know that this will have a significant impact on each and every one of you, but the health and safety of children and staff is and always will be my first priority.

“Please check the school website for updates.”

The school has 650 pupils and their parents should be receiving e-mails or phone calls over the weekend – however there will be some members of staff outside the building on Monday morning to meet any parents or guardians who have not heard the news.

The closure will be a blow to parents who were planning to return to work on Monday who may now have to make alternative childcare arrangements during the closure.

If you want to tell us about any problems this closure will cause you please e-mail newsroom@archant.co.uk including your name and a telephone number we can use to contact you over the weekend.