Black Mountain School halts hydrotherapy for pool repairs

Water ingress damage and wet-sealant failure in the gutter and tiled grout were discovered when the pool was drained for routine cleaning on April 29.

But a fortnight on, the pool remains drained and out of service while repairs works, estimated to cost $30,000, get under way.

Opposition education spokesman Steve Doszpot, during question time in the Legislative Assembly on May 5, asked whether the pool was functioning but at the time Education Minister Shane Rattenbury was unaware of the issue.

"I have not received any advice or any concerns on that matter, but I will happily look into it for Mr Doszpot and provide him with some information," Mr Rattenbury said in the chamber.

An Education Directorate spokesman said remedial works, which commenced on Monday, were expected to be completed within four to six weeks.

"The directorate acknowledges that the issue with the school pool is inconvenient and frustrating," he said.

"However, the safety of the students, staff and minimising additional damage to the pool surrounds is of utmost importance."

Families were advised of the closure and halt to hydrotherapy activity at the school.

Staff have had to get creative to ensure the activity levels of students with intellectual and physical disabilities, communication difficulties and complex needs is not compromised.

Since the closure staff have expanded the scope of physiotherapy routines and stretching, as well as making use of gym and playground equipment to cater to students' physical-activity needs.

"All students will continue to meet the Education Directorate's required minimum amount of individualised physical activity throughout each week," the directorate spokesman said.

"The school is liaising with students' therapists and analysing Individual Learning Plan goals to prioritise students requiring hydrotherapy, and liaising with neighbouring hydrotherapy pools to utilise their facilities."