Talks are due to be held this week between elected representatives, education chiefs and parents about the state of Freuchie Primary School, described as 'unsatisfactory' by Her Majesty's Inspectorate.

Although Fife Council has acted swiftly to remedy a number of issues and has appointed a new acting headteacher, there are still concerns about the quality of the school's accommodation and facilities.

Councillor David MacDiarmid said he was 'shocked' by the report's findings and had asked for a meeting with senior manager Brian Kirkaldy and education chair Douglas Chapman, which would also be attended by Councillor Andrew Arbuckle and a representative from the school's parents' council.

Councillor MacDiarmid said: "To give the council its due, it has quickly identified the problems at the school and acted on them quickly.

"But the accommodation and facilities are not up to the standard the children deserve, and Councillor Arbuckle and I will be looking for assurances that something will be done and that there is money available to make improvements.

"I was shocked when I read the inspectors' report — to think that something like this is happening on my doorstep really alarms me."

Meanwhile Councillor Arbuckle has written to education director Ken Greer to ask what plans there were to address the school's physical problems.

WEAKNESSES

He said: "My concern relates to the accommodation and facilities within the school which the inspectors have placed in the bottom bracket.

"Their description is unsatisfactory with major weaknesses.

"Specifically, the inspection mentions the toilet facilities being inadequate as they are located at the rear of the building and this raises issues of pupils' safety and security."

In the report, the school was praised for its well organised nursery, its wide range of after-school activities and the supportive attitude of parents.

But it was found to be 'weak' in other areas, with staff morale low and the overall quality of learning poor.

The previous headteacher had also failed to implement health and safety and risk assessment procedures.

Fife Council says 'good progress' has already been made in improving the situation at the school and that inspectors will see a marked improvement during their next visit.