A school is set to be closed for six months, forcing nearly 500 pupils to be relocated after defects were found in its structure.
Maddiston Primary School in Falkirk was closed due to damage caused by Storm Eowyn earlier this month before being reopened with the understanding that the damaged area could be safely managed.
During an investigation of the damage, previously undetected issues were found, prompting the school to be closed again.
Falkirk Council has now said that the school will remain closed to pupils and staff until August due to the condition of stonework areas around the building.
Impacted pupils will be relocated on Monday to Wallacestone Primary School, Bantaskin Primary School, Braes High School, Carrongrange High School and Moray Primary School, depending on their years and needs.
Nikki has three children who attend the school. Two of her boys have additional support needs and attend the Timezone unit.
The trio will now be split up, with one attending Wallacestone Primary and the other two set to attend Carrongrange High School or Moray Primary School.
Nikki told STV News: “We were told that the kids would be off school for the rest of week, which we were fine with, all of a sudden we had a letter sent in an email which stated that our children had to be relocated to different schools.
“Which isn’t ideal for families the size of mine. I’ve got four children: one in high school, one in mainstream, and two with additional support needs.
STV News“Now the boys are being moved to Carrongrange High School, which I don’t believe is particularly safe either or a good call.
“I think Falkirk council really haven’t thought any of this through.”
The decision has come as a shock to the mum, who is concerned about the impact the move could have on her children.
She said: “I know that it is going to be absolute chaos in my house.
“My children aren’t going to be able to settle straight away. I don’t know what supports are going to be put in place, I don’t know anything.
“My kids might have to take transport, which they’ve never had in their lives, I’ve dropped them off everyday, so that’s going to be very unsettling as well.”
The local authority says the decision to close the school was made due to the “extent of repairs required ” and that the safety of pupils, staff, and visitors remains their “top priority.”
A Falkirk Council spokesperson said: “Arrangements have been put in place to ensure that all pupils can continue their education at alternative schools across the area from Monday, February 24, 2025.
“The relocation involves all 490 pupils from Maddiston Primary School who are being moved into the most appropriate setting for their learning and will maintain the same number of learning hours. 48 teaching and support staff will also be based in the new settings.
“This is a major logistical piece of work that staff across all the schools involved have worked tirelessly over the past 48 hours to prepare for and to ensure pupils are in the best learning environment for the coming months.”
Arrangements are being put in place to ensure “that all pupils receive continuity in their learning and have access to all of the required resources.”
The spokesperson added: “We are confident that we can deliver a full learning experience for pupils throughout this period and that pupils will not be disadvantaged by the temporary change of circumstances.
“Further investigatory work is taking place at the school as well as extensive record checking to get a better assessment as to the background to this situation.
“At this stage, our priority is to ensure that all children can continue with their education. We will also explore whether there are any legal or contractual implications, at an appropriate point.”
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