Fife school pupils moved out as major work starts to create more space

Fife Council is planning the work to tackle the issues at Lochgelly South Primary where the school roll has been steadily increasing, and is expected to keep rising for some time.

It is looking to build a modular unit in the school grounds, but that will mean pupils being moved out for a year for the work to take place.

The local authority has arranged three drop-in sessions for parents to hear more the plans.

The new unit will house the nursery and increase the space available in the main school building.

But, before it can be installed, extensive ground remediation works will be required, during which time the building can't be occupied.

Work will begin in July 2023, and it should take around a year to complete.

This includes some upgrades to the current school building and the erection of the new modular unit.

During this time, it is proposed that children and staff will be moved temporarily to St Kenneth's RC Primary School.

Nursery pupils will be hosted at Sunflower Nursery in MacGregor Avenue if this is approved by the Care Inspectorate.

Shelagh McLean, head of education and children's services, has written to parents to explain the background and give more details on why the work is needed and how the children will continue their education while the work takes place.

She said: "To make room for any future pupils from the new housing we plan to install a modular unit to increase the space available at the school. It is intended that the nursery will be moved into this new modular unit, with its own dedicated outdoor area, and the existing nursery will be converted into classroom space .”

Investigations have revealed that there are historic, shallow mine works below the school buildings and ground - typical of many former mining areas across the Kingdom.

The council said these are likely to result in subsidence damage to the building in the future, unless remedial works are carried out.

Ms McLean stressed that there is no risk to staff and pupils continuing to use the building until work begins.

She continued: "It is important to point out that there are no concerns regarding the safety of pupils and staff. The risk is of deterioration to the building and any work is required to protect the property.

“A structural inspection has been carried out and there are no signs of subsidence at the moment. We’ll continue to monitor the building for any changes until the remedial works begin."

In order to provide parents with more information on the work, and to allow them to ask any questions, two drop-in sessions have been arranged at Lochgelly South Primary School on Thursday October 27, at 3.30pm and 5.00pm. Another session has been arranged at St. Kenneth’s RC Primary School on Wednesday, November 2, at 3.30pm.

More details and a list of FAQs can be found at www.fife.gov.uk/LochgellySouthPShttp://www.fife.gov.uk/LochgellySouthPS