Kelsale Primary School headteacher praises staff and pupils after school smoke seen coming from kitchen and school evacuated

The headteacher of a village primary school which was evacuated this morning has praised her pupils for their 'amazing' response to the incident.

Two fire crews were from Aldeburgh and Leiston were called to Kelsale Primary School, in Carlton Road, at 9.50am today following reports of smoke coming from the kitchen.

Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to inspect the area and determined that the smoke was coming from an oven which was overheating.

The oven was turned off and a stop was called at 10.35am.

Clare McMeekin, headteacher, said all staff and pupils had been evacuated as a precaution after the school's fire alarms went off.

She said that all pupils and staff were now back in school but that alternative arrangements would have to be made for lunches at the school.

"The children and staff were all amazing. The evacuation was super quick, we did it in record time," she said.

"The firemen even went round and spoke to all our classes to praise them for their behaviour outside and their ability to stay in their lines and follow procedures which I thought was a really nice touch.

"There was no panic, everyone was really calm and sensible and the children were delighted to see all the firefighters at work."

She added: "Thank you so much to the fire service who were brilliant and brilliant with the children."

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