YOUNGSTERS at an Ipswich primary school had an unexpected day off following a fire in a toilet block today.Britannia Primary School was closed as a precaution after a small fire was discovered at around 6.

YOUNGSTERS at an Ipswich primary school had an unexpected day off following a fire in a toilet block today.

Britannia Primary School was closed as a precaution after a small fire was discovered at around 6.50am.

Two crews from Ipswich doused the flames within 25 minutes.

Karen Heath, headteacher, revealed there had been minor smoke damage, but said she was hopeful the school would re-open by tomorrow.

Mrs Heath said: “There was an electrical fault in a boiler.

“There are checks going on today to make it safe and I can see no reason why the school will not be open again tomorrow.

“We've taken every precaution to ensure the children are safe.”

Staff, who met parents at the gates to pass on the news of the fire, were expected to remain at school for much of the day to help with the clean-up operation.

The school, in Britannia Road, is currently under going an extensive rebuilding programme.

Once complete, there will be two new classrooms, a new IT suite and new office facilities.

Mum Julie Leopard, whose ten-year-old daughter Megan is a pupil at Britannia, said: “Megan will be coming to work with me today.

“They have to get the school checked to ensure it's safe, but hopefully it will be open tomorrow.”

In August 2006, nearby Copleston High School was the scene of a devastating fire, which tore through classrooms, staff areas and corridors, causing around £1million of damage and severe disruption.

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