Clearview Primary in Rolleston has closed for urgent testing after asbestos concerns linked to kinetic sand products used in schools across New Zealand.
The school has said it received advice from the Ministry of Education on Saturday that some kinetic sand products, including items subject to a Kmart recall and other batch identified products sold at various retailers, may contain asbestos.
The school has identified one home base that used the recalled Kmart product.
Four other home bases have used different brands of kinetic sand or sand that is no longer in its original packaging, which means its source cannot be confirmed.
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The school has said there is no immediate risk to staff or students.
Clearview Primary has closed all classrooms on Monday and Tuesday and possibly Wednesday while teaching and learning spaces are professionally tested.
The school has arranged for an independent provider to begin testing and investigation on Monday.
In a public message, the Board of Trustees said the decision would be distressing and inconvenient for families, but student and staff safety remained the priority.
The Ministry of Education has published further information on its website at www.education.govt.nz.
