PUPILS from Nyland School will have an extra week of half term holiday while emergency repairs are carried out.

The school has been having extensive repairs to damage cause by flooding on July 20, but while a final test to new water pipes was carried out on Thursday, a massive leak was discovered needing urgent attention.

The primary school, in Nythe, for children with emotional and behavioural problems will be closed to all 35 pupils next week.

Headteacher Paul Sunners said: "We were having extensive pipework replaced and the repairs had been going successfully, but when the system was tested yesterday we discovered major leaks under the floor in the main entrance hall.

"To use the term leakage is an understatement. The pipe work under the hall floor was haemorrhaging water.

"As a result we had a conference with the local education authority and the people with the technical know-how this morning and basically we have no alternative whatsoever but carry out urgent repair work.

"The work is going to involve significant excavation. The floor is going to have to be pulled up to get to the pipes.

"From an access and safety point of view is it just not a tenable option to open next week.

"I'm extremely frustrated and very upset to have to make that decision.

"I guess the only positive is that we were due to have the new floor laid to replace the floor damaged by the summer flood. If this had happened 24 hours later the new floor would have been ruined too, but that's little consolation."

Mr Sunners said he had already phoned the parents and carers of the five to 11-year-old pupils.

The headteacher also said he was in the process of sending out first class letters to every pupil's home.

A Swindon Borough Council spokesperson said: "All parties concerned agreed it was the wisest decision to close the school due to the intensity and level of work that needed to be undertaken.

"We are working closely with the school to ensure there is a minimal disruption to pupils and are optimistic the school will reopen soon."

Parents needing further information are advised to contact the school on 01793 535023.