CedarBridge Academy remains safe for children to return after the summer holidays, according to vice-chairman of governors Neville Tyrrell.

Work is continuing following the outbreak of mould which forced the closure of the school for a $4 million clean-up programme last year, Mr. Tyrell told a press conference yesterday.

But he said there would be no disruption to students while the suggestions of the Wachiira Report are carried out between now and November.

"From the moment the school closed last November, the CedarBridge Academy board of governors and its cross-ministerial action team have spent hundreds of hours doing all it can to ensure that all concerns raised by all stakeholders of the building have been addressed.

"When the Wachiira Report was released in March, we then did a cross-check of the recommendations to ensure that we were on the right track. And I am happy to say that we are. Although all of the exterior work needed for the school has not been completed, the majority of it has begun and should be finished by the end of November.

"It is important that I emphasise that there will be virtually no disruption to our students' school day. In some instances there will be some noise, but it will be kept to a minimum."

After declaring the building safe, he added: "The rough waters are behind us."

David Brown, Chief Buildings Officer at Works and Engineering, told the press conference ongoing work included making the external fabric of the building weather-tight and redecorating the exterior to deal with water penetration. The Wachiira Report was commissioned by Education Minister Randolph Horton after he shut down the Island's largest school last November following complaints of sickness from teachers.

Environment specialist Kamoji Wachiira's review team discovered that one child nearly died and at least 13 others suffered illnesses very probably caused by mould contamination at the school.

Mr. Horton said Education, Works and Engineering and Health ministries had worked with CedarBridge governors and principal Kalmar Richards to tackle the problem.

"For the last eight months they have worked diligently to ensure that the school is in optimum condition. The action team has not had an easy task.

"I am pleased to say that all schools will be ready for occupation at the beginning of the school year," said the Minister.