PARK Hill infant and junior have reopened three days after a burst pipe left the schools without water.
Some 600 children missed three days of school this week after the underground pipe cracked over the weekend.
While the water main has not been permanently fixed but a temporary solution has been found to enable pupils to return to the schools, in Stanhope Road, today (Thursday).
Catherine Daniels and Jane Charman, head teachers of the junior and infant schools respectively, apologised for the disruption and thanked parents for their support during the "unavoidable" closure.
In a joint statement they said: "While it has not been possible to fix the burst water main permanently, a temporary fix has been found which will enable the schools to operate safely.
"Staff and governors would like to thank the very many parents who have sent messages of support during this unavoidable closure, and apologise for the disruption this will have caused to many families."
Lessons are expected to continue as normal today, but breakfast and after-school clubs have been cancelled.
They asked the junior school's 330 pupils to bring a packed lunch and a bottle of water, while children at the infant school are to be provided with their food.
Parents were kept up-to-date with developments via the schools' websites and by text message.
There appears little ill will despite the disruption.
Jon Ellacott, who has four children at the schools, told the Advertiser he did not blame anyone for what had happened.
He said: "As much as it is an inconvenience, it certainly isn't the schools' fault.
"There is a massive hole in the reception playground, right by one of the classrooms, plus there is no running water as all the mains water has no doubt been shut off to rectify the leak.
"These things happen, and while it is not exactly ideal for a lot of the parents, especially those who work, it is unavoidable.
He added: "I went down to the school on Wednesday morning and they are just as eager to get the kids back in as soon as possible. They don't want them missing out on their education."
