Building over-run delays start of term for Bexhill school

Chairman of governors Chris Miles put out the message to the media as builders battled to finish a major contract.

He said: "Our 300,000 building and improvement work has over-run and the school will not be able to open on the 5th September as planned. The school will now open on Monday 10th September."

Work on the front of the school has taken longer than expected and meant the doors remain closed at the end of the summer holidays.

Head teacher Richard White said this week: "We are doing everything we can to get the school ready and fit for the children on Monday.

"It is one of those things - with building work sometimes things get delayed, and fall behind. There has been a catalogue of things that haven't gone right for us, but it is no-one's fault. We made the decision on Friday that the school would not be ready for the children because of health and safety regulations, there's dust and bits everywhere, and the staff are all in and working to get everything ready."

The focus has been on extending the front of the building - the junior classrooms have been re-done and have new heating and new firedoors, while the whole of the reception area has moved temporarily up to the other side of the school, including the school office and head teacher's room.

"They will be moved back when the new building is completed which will now not be much before Christmas," said Mr White.

The school was given a diocesan grant which he said was "really good because we wanted the work done.

"We tried to do as much as we could during the school holidays because the children aren't here, but unfortunately it has run over a bit."