Progress update on the new Ness Castle Primary School

Members of the Ness Castle Primary School Stakeholder Group were updated this week (23 March 2022) on progress with the construction of the new school building at Ness Castle that is due to be handed over in July.

A letter has been sent to parents and carers of Holm and Ness Castle Primary Schools which states that:

“Construction work started in May 2021 and progress has been affected by a number of factors since then, with the result that the works are currently 4 weeks behind schedule. The impact of the pandemic has been the main contributory factor and continues to have an adverse effect.

“Whilst all possible measures to improve on this situation are being put in place, there is clearly a risk that the new building may not be fully complete and ready for occupation at the start of the new school session in August. However, the contractor, Kier Construction, will be making every effort to meet this deadline.

“Council officers and the Head Teachers from both Holm and Ness Castle Primary Schools have looked at potential contingency arrangements that could be put in place in the event of the August date not being achieved, and stakeholders were informed of these last night (23 March). The priorities from an educational viewpoint are as follows:

• Ensure that the best option for children and families is implemented.
• Minimise disruption during the school session with the fewest possible number of transitions for pupils.
• Consider the impact on new enrolments, and those families planning to move into the catchment area.
• Establish the identity of the new school, and allow pupils to form friendship groups, from day one.

“It has been agreed that the clearly preferred contingency plan would be to establish the new Ness Castle school at the Holm campus from August, using a combination of available classrooms and additional, good quality, modular classroom units, if required.

“The contingency plan is based on the new school building being operational from the start of the new term after the October holidays – this is considered a worst case scenario at this time.

“The Council’s project team are continuing to closely monitor progress on the new build with the contractor and will provide regular updates to the Stakeholder Group, which includes Parent Council representatives from both schools. Head Teachers will also continue to ensure that the wider school community is kept updated.”

The letter added the necessity to have a contingency plan in place given the current environment in which the Council is operating.