Pupils from Featherstone Primary and Nursery School have started to return to their studies thanks to the generosity and support of Featherstone High School and the Khalsa Primary School in Southall.

Following a fire at the school on Friday 5 November, staff and 700 pupils were forced to stay at home. Infant pupils will be able to return to school soon, but the extensive damage to the junior block means that it could take as long as six months until the building opens again.

Students in years three, four, five and six were originally facing a six week delay before temporary classrooms could be set-up for them.

However, the council has arranged for the pupils to be accommodated at Featherstone High School and the Khalsa Primary School until their temporary classrooms are ready.

Year six pupils started their lessons at Featherstone High School on Monday 15 November and years three to five will start to occupy classrooms in the Khalsa Primary School from today onwards.

Kate Bailey, headteacher of Featherstone Primary and Nursery School said: "I would like to express the heartfelt thanks of our staff, pupils and parents for the help we have received from our neighbouring schools. This fire is unfortunate, but it could have turned into a disaster without their support."

"Our focus has been on returning our pupils to their studies as quickly as possible and this has been helped immeasurably by the hospitality of Featherstone High School and the Khalsa Primary School."

Councillor Patricia Walker, cabinet member for Children and Young People said: "My heart goes out to everyone affected by the fire, but things could have been so much worse if Featherstone High School and the Khalsa School hadn’t rallied round. We owe them our grateful thanks."