Classes moved from Cowbridge school for repairs

Written by: Bro Radio Newsroom | Updated: Thursday 19th May 2022 3:54am

A Cowbridge primary school has been closed to Key Stage 2 pupils for emergency repairs.

Damage was found on the roof of Y Bont Faen Primary following a risk assessment - with classes moved to Cowbridge Town Hall and the new South Point Primary in Rhoose. 

Vale of Glamorgan Council said pupils from years 3 to 6 will be taught at ''alternative locations'' for the rest of the term while repair work takes place. But lessons for nursery, reception and years 1 and 2 will remain at the Y Bont Faen site at Borough Close.

Earlier, Conservative politicians called for urgent action from the county council, amid claims that repairs could take up to six weeks.

In a statement on Thursday afternoon, Vale Council CEO Rob Thomas said the safety of both pupils and staff was their ''absolute priority''. 

He apologised for the disruption caused, but also hit back at accusations from the Welsh Conservatives leader of a lack of investment at Y Bont Faen.

Mr Thomas said: ''Y Bontfaen Primary School has closed to some pupils for a short period following a risk assessment, undertaken as part of roof repair work.''

''The immediate safety issues were promptly resolved last weekend, but it has not been possible to completely rule out further safety issues, as investment work in the school building progresses.''

''Years, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be taught at alternative locations for the rest of the term while work to repair the roof and fit new suspended ceilings, along with associated lighting, is carried out. Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils will continue attending the school as normal.''

''Staff from the council have worked closely with staff at the school to ensure that the response to concerns was swift. Arrangements for alternative learning locations were made without delay to keep pupil disruption to an absolute minimum.''

''This action has been taken as a precautionary measure to avoid putting anyone at even the slightest risk and to ensure work can be completed as quickly as possible.''

''Contrary to many suggestions, the need to temporarily find alternative locations for certain year groups is not as a result of the lack of investment in the school, but rather the unintended consequences that have emerged as a result of significant investment in the school building.''

''Phase two of Y Bontfaen's roof repair began on April 4th and is the latest example of significant recent council investment in the school, which is set to total more than £400,000 by the summer.''

''As this is a 16-week project, it was not possible to contain work to the school holidays. It was also expected to be completed safely during term time as the first phase of the roof repair was carried out without the need for pupils to be relocated.''

Mr Thomas added: ''No other safety issues of any kind have been identified by the risk assessment.''

''Council departments responsible for property, education and health and safety have been in regular contact with the school and contractors this week to carefully manage the response to the challenges presented.''

''I'd like to apologise to pupils, parents and staff for the inconvenience this unforeseen situation may cause and also offer reassurance that the Council is committed to ensuring pupils' educational experience is not negatively impacted in any way whilst investment by the council into the school building is progressed.''

Earlier, South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies said: ''It's completely unacceptable that pupils have to suffer this kind of disruption.''

''I've long warned about lack of investment in Y Bont Faen. And I've raised concerns on several occasions. Unfortunately, those warnings weren't heeded. The council cannot delay any more and must take urgent action to deal with this situation.''

The three Conservative county councillors in Cowbridge made a similar call for urgent action.

In a joint statement, Councillors Charles Champion, Robert Fisher and Nick Wood said: ''As soon as this situation occurred, we took immediate action. We contacted the Director of Education and we met with the school governors on site.''

''All necessary works must be commissioned immediately and carried out as quickly as possible. Our children's education must be the utmost priority, so any delays will be completely unacceptable.''

Meanwhile, the Conservative MP for the Vale, Alun Cairns has organised a public meeting on the situation on Friday evening.

Mr Cairns said local councillors and school governors would attend the meeting, due to be held at Cowbridge United Free Church on Westgate at 5.30pm.

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