Students returned yesterday to an alternative education school that was closed during a one-day staff work stoppage staged amid safety concerns.

Staff at the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy wrote to parents on Tuesday morning, after pupils were dropped off, and said they were refusing to work over incidents beyond their control that put the children and staff at risk.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Education said yesterday: “Today, the minister and permanent secretary met with representatives from the Bermuda Union of Teachers to discuss the issues brought to our attention around DMBHA.

“As these were concerns that, in some cases, we were discussing for the first time, we recognise that more detailed discussions will need to take place to resolve the concerns raised.

“It was agreed that these matters will be on the agenda for the regular Joint Consultative Committee meetings.”

She added: “Hope Academy was open today and learning continued.

“However, we will continue to assess the needs and implement measures that promote a conducive learning environment that allows both teaching and learning to take place in a nurturing and safe space.

“We also acknowledge the importance of timely communication.

“We will work closely with school leadership and the union to ensure that all parties are kept informed and that proper procedures are followed in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

“Our commitment remains to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for every Hope Academy student and staff member.”

The parent of one pupil said that notice was provided the previous midnight of the school’s reopening yesterday but said no explanation was given about the safety concerns mentioned earlier.

Diallo Rabain, the education minister, said on Tuesday that the ministry was working to address issues “swiftly and effectively”.

Staff earlier encouraged parents to call on the ministry to provide the necessary resources to address the concerns they had.