Parents have spoken of their shock after a ceiling collapsed on a year 3 classroom in a south London prep school yesterday, injuring pupils.

Twelve children and one adult were taken to hospital after the incident on the second floor of Rosemead Preparatory School, in Dulwich, on Monday morning.

Some were discharged later the same day, while others remain in hospital for treatment.

There were no life-threatening or life-changing injuries.

Andy Patel, 65, a grandfather of a nine-year-old boy, said: "It is shocking that something like this should happen.

"All I know is what we were told by email that a ceiling had collapsed and some of the children had been taken to hospital for minor injuries.

"I think everyone will be fine physically, but I do worry psychologically what something like that can do.

"Even if they weren't injured, seeing their friends like that is very worrying.

"It is not something that is supposed to happen when you're in a classroom."

A mum of a nine-year-old girl, who declined to be named, said: "Things like this happen.

"It's an old Victorian building. I live in a Victorian building and I've had a ceiling collapse on me.

"I agree it shouldn't happen in a school.

"But it is what it is. I know the ceilings are very high so I don't think they're very easy to restore if there is an issue.

"It is scary and worrying but I have all the confidence in the school to keep children safe."

A dad, of a 10-year-old girl, who declined to be named, said: "My daughter is safe - that was my first thought.

"I don't know exactly what happened - she's not in the same year - I'm just thankful she's ok.

"My thoughts are with that year group and hope they have a very swift recovery.

"I'm very satisfied the school did everything they could possibly do today.

"They kept us informed, they sent a school-wide email to everyone, and they've done all they can.

"But I do agree, it is worrying, but I have to think they've done what they could."

Staff members declined to be interviewed outside of the school, making reference to the statement published on the website.

The chair of governors of Rosemead Preparatory School confirmed no-one received life-threatening or life-changing injuries.

Nick Crawford said: “There were no life-threatening injuries or life-changing injuries and the majority have been discharged.”

He explained how the school was “working closely with the authorities and relevant specialists to understand the cause” of the collapse.

Mr Crawford added: “This has been a worrying time for the children involved, their families and the wider school.

“We understand from initial examinations that there are no concerns regarding the rest of the building and we will work with the authorities regards any investigations to be undertaken.

“I would sincerely like to thank members of staff, the emergency services and those who sent messages of support from the wider community.”

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