6^th February 2026

 

CRITICAL INCIDENT - UPDATE

 

Dear Parents and Carers,

 

Thank you for your patience and continuing support following the fire that occurred on Thursday 29th January 2026. 

 

School reopening

 

The good news is that we are able to open part of the school on Monday.  Nursery, Reception, Year 1, Year 5 and Year 6 will all be open as normal. Breakfast club will also be open and after school clubs will go ahead as planned.  

 

Our plan for the rest of the school is subject to the working being carried out but this is what we hope:

 

Tuesday – Year 3 start back as normal

Tuesday - Year 4 start back as normal (temporarily based in the Rainbow room – children to be dropped off at the front entrance.)

Wednesday – Year 2 start back as normal (temporarily based in the library – children to be dropped off at the front entrance.)

 

I am hoping to confirm this in our communication Monday.

 

Cause

 

I know you will be concerned about the cause of the fire, and I want to reassure you that there were no structural or building issues that caused the fire. Initial findings suggest the fire was started deliberately. Whilst we do not yet know who was responsible, we are working with appropriate agencies to ensure this is fully investigated and that safety measures remain robust. I would like to reassure you that the fire was not caused as a result of an external person gaining access to the school or school grounds.

Support for the children

 

If you feel your child needs supporting following the incident, or you have any concerns please see me at the gate or arrange a meeting with me at the office.

 

Moving forward all class teachers will be discussing the incident with their children following advice from The Birmingham Educational Psychology Service (EPS).  In addition to this, when the whole school are back in, the Fire Service will do a whole school assembly on the dangers of fire for Year 2 up to Year 6.

 

Belongings

 

If you have not collected your children’s belongings, please do so on Monday.

 

INSET Day Change

 

We have carried out our training this week and therefore have cancelled our INSET day on Monday 16^th March – so children will now be expected to be in school on that day.

 

Next update

 

We will update parents and carers again on Monday with an update including more news on the opening of Year 2,3 and 4. We understand that this is a worrying and disruptive time, and we are grateful for your patience and support. If your child feels anxious or needs additional reassurance, please let us know so we can support them.

 

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact the school office on 0121 464 8659. Further information is available on our school website https://www.forestdale.bham.sch.uk/.

 

Thank you once again for your cooperation and understanding.

 

Best wishes,

 

Mr D Foster

Headteacher

Forestdale Primary School