Parents are concerned about the state of temporary facilities their children are using while their school is redeveloped - although the council insisted the replacement accommodation is ‘safe and secure’.
Pupils of Marlborough Primary School, in Marlborough Hill, Harrow, were moved over the road to two empty buildings at Harrow Civic Centre in Station Road at the beginning of this school year to allow the old school buildings to be torn down and a new school complex to be built.
But the worries of mothers and fathers led headteacher Julia Drozdowskij to call a meeting on Monday evening for parents and carers, and staff, to hear from council officers.
One parent told the Observer: “In a nutshell, I feel that the building supplied to us by the council is not fit for purpose.
“Although meetings are taking place with councillors, governors, and school staff, it seems to have got to the point where many parents are seriously worried about some issues.”
Outdoor PE lessons were suspended for a week on the first day of term when Ms Drozdowskij had concerns about the quality of the playground - formerly part of the civic centre car park and situated next to it.
Other problems the parents have raised concerns about overcrowding, poor drainage, a lack of traffic calming, car fumes from vehicles parking next to the school, and three Year 3 classes being relocated back to the old school.
Councillor Janet Mote (Conservative), the shadow cabinet member for education, schools and children, said: “It’s very unfortunate that these problems are now coming to light, and my sympathies are with the children, school staff and concerned parents.
“The onus is now on the council’s administration to work closely with Marlborough to resolve these issues as soon as possible.
“Given he’s in the unique position of being both council leader and Marlborough governor, I think it’s disappointing that Councillor David Perry appears not to have taken the lead in tackling these problems head-on.”
Mr Perry and the headteacher Mrs Drozdowskij were unavailable for comment.
The council originally said there was no plan to use any temporary buildings at the site but the Labour-run authority is installing a mobile classroom on the civic centre site to house the 90 decanted children by half-term.
A council spokesman said: “All the children at Marlborough School are receiving an outstanding education from their excellent teachers.
“The site is completely safe, secure and fire compliant and meets all regulations.
“We are pleased to say that early teething problems with play and PE were rectified and PE is now being taught in appropriate facilities both indoors and outdoors.
“In response to our conversations with parents, the school and council are looking now to deliver extra facilities and improvements, over and above the original plans for the temporary site.
“They include an extra mobile classroom, cosmetic upgrades to the fencing, school signs and notices on the roads, extra security cameras and improved drainage.
“We are also looking at the option of an extra fire exit, although there is no regulatory need for this.
“We understand that parents want the best for their children, and that is why the council is working in partnership with them, along with governors and teachers.
“We have held four public meetings in three months, and we will continue to talk, to make sure every parent has a regular chance to voice their views and get answers.”
