Security guards have been brought in to protect a fire-hit primary school as contractors work to repair and clean out a damaged portable building for Monday.

Confusion reigned among families of youngsters taught in the building as they kept them at home yesterday after receiving a letter from the school.

The letter told them the Health and Safety Executive had closed the classrooms and the children would need to be off until further notice.

But the parents have now been told Shipley Primary School in Wrose Brow Road will be back to normal on Monday.

Some said they had been horrified because the letters gave them no indication of when the children could go back and many were about to take SATs assessment tests. The Council's executive member for education Councillor David Ward said: "It is regrettable confusion was caused by the letter which did not explain the situation or when the pupils would be able to go back. It was not signed by the head teacher."

He said the possibility of alternative accommodation had been discussed at one stage but the damaged buildings had not been condemned.

Miriam Murch, health and safety advisor for the National Union of Teachers, said contractors were working on the buildings over the weekend and there would be security guards at the school.

"There seems to have been a spate of damage and arson at the school and we have been concerned about what is happening.

"We have been told there will be guards at the school this weekend and the contractors will be working there to get the classrooms ready."

The arson attack at the school last Tuesday was the second in a matter of weeks but police do not know if they are linked. A spokesman said the fire was still being investigated.