HEADTEACHERS have raised concerns about a multi-million pound contract to maintain Oxfordshire’s schools.

Complaints have been made to Oxfordshire County Council that building work by contractor Carillion is taking too long and costing too much.

County councillor Mark Gray, the chairman of the education scrutiny committee, said: “What I have heard is that there are concerns about costs and late delivery of work.

“I would like the council to look into this.

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“There seems to be general agreement among headteachers that Carillion are not doing a good job.”

In April 2012 the county council signed a 10-year contract with Carillion to manage and maintain the authority’s buildings – including schools.

At the time Carillion said the contract was worth £700m and the county council has the option to extend it for another decade based on performance. As part of the contract Carillion maintains Oxfordshire’s local authority-controlled schools and is responsible for any building work on them.

Paul James, headteacher of The Cherwell School in Oxford, said he had been made aware of concerns even though his school was an independent academy and not involved with Carillion.

He said: “I know that it absolutely is an issue and it has been discussed at headteacher meetings across Oxfordshire, which shows the level of concern.

“It can be hugely disruptive if building work isn’t finished on time, particularly for those schools who are relying on work being done by the start of the academic year.”

Wolverhampton-based Carillion provides facilities management services across the UK, Canada and the Middle East and employs about 40,000 people.

County councillor Melinda Tilley, cabinet member for education, said: “Schools have told us about this and we have reported it back to our department that deals with this.

“It is not dealt with by the education department but by property.

“They don’t think it is a problem so we are at an impasse and we don’t quite know what’s happening.

“The schools have concerns that the work isn’t done when they say it will be and it is over-running and costing too much.”

Oxfordshire County Council education scrutiny committee member John Howson said concerns had been expressed to him about a number of works the firm had carried out, including those for the expansion of Botley School, Botley, over the summer.

He said: “Carillion fails to understand the nature of schools and that work needs to be finished in time for the start of term.

“It is not like some other projects where an overrun does not matter as much. If you are working at a school you cannot work during term time unless it has been agreed in advance.

“It completely disrupts the life of the school and staff and pupils working there.

“Officers at the council tell me there are signs of improvement, but I am still hearing concerns expressed from schools.”

County council spokesman Paul Smith said: “Oxfordshire County Council and Carillion regularly ask schools their opinion on performance and the feedback is largely of a positive nature.

“There are always opportunities to improve services and Carillion are keen to do so.

“Engagement with headteachers and governors is something which Carillion is keen to ensure is happening on a regular basis.”

A spokeswoman for Carillion said the county council had commented on behalf of the company.

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