YOUNGSTERS from a school ravaged by fire are settling into life at their make-shift classrooms.

Red Lane Primary School’s nursery and under-two pupils were forced to relocate to the Bright Meadows Community Centre in Breightmet after the blaze on Sunday, October 21.

The former Sure Start centre in Greenroyd Avenue is expected to house the nursery and under-two pupils until next spring.

The nursery at Red Lane was part of the school worst affected by the fire, suffering severe aesthetic and structural damage.

Rhian Driver, head of Red Lane School, said the infants were “embracing” their new school rooms.

She said: “All of the children have embraced this change really well and pulled together to settle into the new space.

“They have already settled into their new classroom at Bright Meadows, but we look forward to returning to our new build nursery when it is returned to us next year.”

The school in Red Lane suffered extensive damage in the blaze, which broke out during the half-term holidays in late October.

Craig Graham, chair of BASE Academy Trust, praised the resilience of staff and children, who have “quickly bounced back” from the setback.

He said staff had been “overwhelmed” with the widespread support from the community, which has enabled the children to swiftly resume lessons.

He said: “We would like to say a huge thanks to the local community for their support and kind donations to help us get back up and running.

“We’d also like to thank the emergency services for their swift and professional response, Bolton Council who quickly mobilised the alternative building for us and all of the teachers and staff who gave up their half term to be in school and get us back up and running.

“And of course parents and our wonderful children who continue to support us.

“We really appreciate all of the support, donations and assistance and it’s this that has got us through some very emotional times.

“Without this help we would not have been able to reopen as quickly as we did.”

Two 14-year-old girls were arrested on October 22 in connection with the fire.