Classroom for special needs children in Redbourn torched by arsonists

The outdoor teaching classroom at St Luke’s Foundation School in Crouch Hall Lane, Redbourn, was burned down in the early hours of Friday morning.

A stable containing two donkeys – Edward and Isaac – was also vandalised, with the animals deliberately released onto a busy road.

They were later found wandering through traffic by police and although unharmed were left “very distressed”.  

The school caters for children with moderate to complex learning difficulties, who regularly go up to see the donkeys and sheep - which they had hand-reared from lambs - as part of their therapy.

Assistant headteacher Carol Morris said the finishing touches were being made to the classroom so it could be used before the end of term when a member of staff, who was out walking her dog on Friday morning, discovered the smouldering structure.

She said: “We got the children together to explain that they couldn’t go up there anymore. The children first thought of the animals.

“They are greatly missed at the moment. It’s still quite upsetting.”

While it is hoped that insurance will cover the cost of the classroom, a crowdfunding site has been started to raise money to replace all of the equipment destroyed in the fire.

You can donate to the fund here. 

Pupils at the school did not even have the chance to use the new classroom, which was funded through years of fundraising projects led by the school, before it was torched.

PC Richard Donbavand, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are treating this incident as arson and are appealing for anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously around the school overnight to get in touch.

“This incident has deprived the school of their outdoor classroom, which will cost a significant amount of money to replace.

“Anyone with information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact me via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101, quoting ISR 118 of June 30.”