A PRIMARY school in Braintree which was evacuated after a gas leak is proud of its ‘incredible’ team and children.

St Michael’s Primary School in Maple Avenue in Braintree was forced to evacuate after there was a smell of gas last Thursday morning.

It was clear to staff “within 30 seconds” it was not a small amount of gas, so they hit the fire alarm.

Within three minutes, the building was empty as every adult and child gathered in their evacuation space while fire crews attended.

While waiting outside, adults began devising games and keeping the children active to combat the cold.

Firefighters established there was no methane and that the gas leak was in the kitchen, and ventilated the building before everyone was allowed back inside.

By this time, it was past 12pm and the gas had been turned off so that there was no heating, and no cooking for the children’s school lunches had been able to take place.

Headteacher Andrew Cumpstey then made the decision to close the school and began arranging for parents to collect their children.

Pupils were entertained in their classrooms while messages went out to all parents, and teachers communicated with the Mr Cumpstey , who waited at the front gates, as parents arrived to collect their children.

Mr Cumpstey said: “Evacuating the children was fairly routine as we've practiced many times, but arranging collection added another level of challenge.

“Staff checked in with the children, communicated what was happening and reassured those that were scared or worried.

“A WhatsApp group call enabled myself at the gate to recognise the parents and call the name of the child into all the classes at once.

“Teaching and support staff then escorted the children up to me in turn, for me to hand them to their relieved parent or carer.”

He continued: “We have an incredible team.

“In rather extraordinary circumstances we came together in remarkable ways to put the welfare of our children front and centre.

“It began with a fire drill, but the staff’s skills really kicked in to keep the children warm and engaged outside.

“The parents were confident their children were well.”

St Michael’s Primary School was open again as normal the following day.