Hundreds of children will miss up to a week of lessons because building work linked to the controversial Bradford schools shake-up has not been finished on time.
The problems have been caused by delays in putting temporary classrooms in former first schools where eight and nine-year-old pupils must stay on an extra year.
Just 24 hours before term starts in many new-style primary schools, many of the new classrooms are not finished - some have no electricity and water supplies and others missing staircases and handrails.
And today the situation was condemned as "a scandal" by one councillor and Bradford South Labour MP Gerry Sutcliffe called for the Council to come clean in informing parents which school buildings are not ready.
Bradford Council was unable to provide a full list of which schools are affected, but it is believed at least five schools have been forced to delay opening because of unfinished building work.
Most seriously affected is Green Lane Primary School, Manningham, Bradford, where all 460 pupils will miss a week of lessons by not returning until September 16.
Head teacher Pam Reader said: "Our new buildings are not finished and neither is building work on the hall, it's a double whammy for us.
"I feel very upset that the children's education is being delayed by an extra week. I have new staff very keen to start, but I have had to send them home because a health and safety officer said it was unsafe here with all the dust. I have already had one father on the phone, he was not very pleased."
Beryl Powell, head teacher of Atlas Community Primary, said: "It's disappointing for the children and for us but we are in the hands of contractors. Our portable classroom is just a shell at the moment and has already been vandalised."
Fran Warden, head teacher at Springwood Primary, said: "Our building is here, but it hasn't been placed in the position we agreed with the contractors and there are no keys and no steps to get in."
Councillor Jean Ellison (Lab, Bowling), chairman of the education buildings and resources sub committee, said: "I can understand the concern of head teachers and parents, working mums and dads, where there may be a few days delay in their child going back to school, and we are very sorry this has happened. We are asking for their understanding and patience."
The disruption follows assurances by schools chiefs that the major restructuring of the district's schools would be achieved with minimal harm to youngsters.
In May, Bradford Council Education Committee chairman Councillor Susanne Rooney said no delays were expected but contingency plans were in place if there were any setbacks.
But today, the district's head of school reorganisation Angela Drizi admitted: "We are extremely disappointed that one of the suppliers in particular has consistently let us down, despite assurances that the work would be finished on time."
Head teachers and schools chiefs are understood to be privately furious with the failure of one of the contractors - Portakabin - to meet deadlines.
Ms Drizi said: "As with any contract awarded by the Council we will be reviewing the performance of the companies concerned."
She added: "Contractors were asked to supply and fit around 100 mobile classrooms and although they are all now on site, some of the suppliers have failed to complete all the ancillary work - for example steps, handrails and footpaths.
"We have explained the urgency of the work and are putting enormous pressure on the companies to complete it as soon as possible so all the temporary classrooms are ready for use by the end of the week at the latest."
Stephen Price, managing director of Portakabin, said: "As with all projects where there are tight deadlines, we have done our utmost to ensure the classrooms will be ready for occupation - and the majority will be.
"Unfortunately there have been several issues, which have complicated certain buildings, leading to delays. We have now pulled out all the stops to ensure the delayed classrooms are completed as soon as possible."
Bradford South MP Mr Sutcliffe said: "It's important the Council is open about what progress is being made, we need detailed information about which schools are ready and which schools aren't."
Parent Trevor Kirk said he was furious when he learned his daughter Lucy, nine, will miss three days schooling at Eldwick First School - returning on Monday(13th) instead of tomorrow(Wednesday 8th).
Mr Kirk, 45, of Southway, Eldwick, said: "There seems to be a lack of communication with the Council because when I telephoned the education authority they seemed to know nothing of it, I had to inform them of the problem.
"My wife Janet is at home but other parents will definitely face problems with childminding and the children are losing three days of school."
Councillor Richard Wightman (Con, Rombalds), whose ward covers Eldwick, said: "Sixty Eldwick children are missing their first week of school and it's a scandal. I do not blame the contractors, the responsibility lies with the politicians. I want Mrs Rooney to come and explain to parents in Eldwick why these classrooms are not ready for the pupils, not leave it to school governors."
Affected Primary Schools
Green Lane Primary School , Manningham - 460 pupils will get extra week at home
Atlas Community Primary School, Lincoln Close, Manningham. Sixty Year Five pupils have an extra week's holiday, back on Wednesday, September 15.
Springwood Primary School, Wood Street, Bradford. Portakabin placed in wrong position by contractors - no steps in place yet. Children due back on Monday, but a 'strong possibility' the Year Five children will get a few extra days holiday
Miriam Lord Primary School, Church Street - work should be finished by Thursday but it will be touch and go for 60 Year Five pupils
Eldwick Primary School - New term delayed three days until Monday, September 13, for 60 Year Five children.
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