A fire has caused a primary school in Harlesden to close creating a childcare nightmare for parents.

Mums and dads of pupils at Leopold Primary School in Hawkshead Road, were informed of its sudden closure yesterday afternoon following the small blaze in an outbuilding which has affected its power.

The school is expected to reopen tomorrow.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said she was forced to bring her son to work but other parents haven’t been so lucky.

She said: “A few I know have had to take time off work.

“I hope the school opens as soon as possible.”

Sara Williams, operational director of early help and education at Brent Council, said: “Leopold Primary School had a small fire in an outbuilding on Monday which led to interruption in its incoming power. The school therefore had to close on Tuesday and is repairing the damage as quickly as possible, aiming to reopen on Wednesday.”

She added: Parents are being kept informed via the school website and via text message.”