Nearly 300 children at a primary school in Newport will be unable to return to their normal classrooms until at least next year due to concerns over their school building. 289 reception to year six pupils at Millbrook Primary School in Bettws, Newport were temporarily moved to the former Brynglas adult training centre (ATC) in September just weeks before the start of term.
At the time Newport City Council said the move was "intended to be a short-term measure" while it investigated structural issues at the school building. However following further inspections the council has said "significantly more extensive structural repairs" are needed before the school can be reoccupied.
A spokesperson said reception to year six pupils and staff will now remain in Brynglas Adult Training Centre for the rest of the academic year while the nursery will stay in accommodation in Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael until Easter, with options for the summer term still being explored. It said it was also working on alternative transport arrangements to and from Brynglas to better align with pupils' normal school day.
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A Newport City Council spokesperson said: "Investigations of the school building have found that significantly more extensive structural repairs are required before it could be reoccupied. Work to identify options for the site is now underway and a full report will be presented to the cabinet as soon as possible.
"The school can remain in Brynglas Adult Training Centre for the rest of the academic year while the nursery will stay in accommodation in Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael until Easter with options for the summer term still being explored.
"Council officers are also trying to make alternative transport arrangements to and from Brynglas to better align with what was the usual school day. We would like to thank parents and carers for their patience, understanding and support for the school as we seek to find a resolution to this situation as quickly as possible."
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