Bridgewater Primary School in Little Hulton will be shut until Monday after a fire broke out on school premises last night.
It’s believed the fire was started deliberately, Greater Manchester Fire said this morning.
Parts of the school were damaged by smoke after a blaze started at around 6.30pm on Wednesday 15 June in an outhouse next door to the main school building.
The windows of the school hall were also blown out by the force of the heat.
Four fire engines from Eccles, Farnworth, Bolton and Stretford were called to the school on Bridgewater Street last night at 6.45pm.
Firefighters in breathing apparatus tackled the blaze using hoses and jets for over three hours until the scene was under control.
The school confirmed via its website that it would be closed on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 June while the clean-up operation continues.
Salford City Council is now working to assist the headteacher to be open as usual on Monday 20 June.
Further updates will be available on the Bridgewater Primary School website.
Councillor Kate Lewis, who represents Little Hulton, said: “I am extremely disappointed if the evidence shows that one of our schools has been damaged due to arson.
“Our children’s education has been disrupted and many of those children will doubtless be saddened to know that their school has been damaged. Many parents will have had to make arrangements with work and other commitments causing inconvenience.
“Not least the cost of repairs will be extremely high at a time when budgets are tight and education is already suffering.
“I will be speaking to the police along with other ward councillors to ensure everything is being done to try and find out who caused the fire.
“I would ask members of our community to please pass on any information they may have to the police.
“If this fire has been caused by mindless criminals then let’s show them that our community, our families and our children in Little Hulton come first.
