A school has been forced to close.

John Ray Infants School, in Notley Road, Braintree, announced the closure this morning.

A statement on the school's website reads: "School will be closed today Monday 17th March due to problems with our water supply.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and will keep you informed."

A school spokesman added: "Contractors were carrying out remedial work on the school water pump over the weekend which meant turning off the water supply.

"Unfortunately a build-up of air meant when the water was switched back on it didn’t run through properly.

"The school site manager realised the site was without water early Monday morning but without knowing what the problem was the school had to make the decision, based on grounds of health and safety, to remain closed.

"The situation was quickly rectified however and water was fully restored by 9am.

"The school will be open as normal tomorrow."

The school is currently based in 18 demountable buildings on the John Ray Junior School and Notley High School sites after the infant school was burnt down last August.

Pupils had previously spent nearly two months at a temporary base
in Takeley, near Stansted, after the fire.