School opens late for pupils

A Peterborough primary school will not open at the start of the new academic year today due to a delay in finishing building works.

Oakdale Primary School in Oakdale Avenue, Stanground, has been having extensive works carried out over the summer with a new school office and staff area being put in and refurbishments to the hall and foyer.

However, the works will not finish until Monday, September 17, with temporary plans brought in to get the children into school next week.

A letter sent out to parents from headteacher Ilona Wrigley stated: “To try to minimise the disruption this will cause to parents and pupils we have been working hard with the local authority and the contractors to put temporary plans into place which will enable us to open for pupils as soon as possible.

“These include the creation of a temporary school office in the Key Stage One Library.

“Despite our best efforts, I am sorry to inform you that we have to defer the start of term until Monday, September 10.”

Alistair Weir, managing director for the contractors Jeakins Weir, said extensive works had been carried out over the summer, but that “due to unforeseen works some areas have overrun.” He added: “We are committed to ensuring that the children and staff will be enjoying their new surroundings as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Oakdale Primary