Didcot schoolchildren left working in 'arctic conditions'

Northbourne CE Primary School recently had its heating fully replaced but since then a leak has been discovered affecting part of the school in Didcot this week.

This has led to complaints of children and staff working in "five-degree temperatures" despite some classrooms being closed.

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The school, run by Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust, has confirmed “temporary heating solutions” are being used to keep the school open after the delay in the works.

Someone connected to the school, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “Children and staff are expected to work in arctic conditions.

“The school's boiler is broken and being replaced, electric heaters are blowing the electrics, and windows have been taken out and boarded up.

Northbourne CE Primary School (Image: Google Maps)

“Classrooms have been closed off but some are still working in five-degree temperatures.

“Advised by the trustees of the school, that it is okay for staff and pupils to work in these conditions.

“Several schools in Oxfordshire have partially closed due to the lack of heating.

“These are not acceptable conditions to work in let alone the children to learn in.”

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A spokesperson for Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust said: “Northbourne CE Primary School has undergone significant site upgrades recently including a full heating replacement.

“Unfortunately, a leak was discovered below ground that resulted in heating to one small area of the school being delayed.

“This work is expected to be complete next week.

“In order for the school to remain open for families, all the necessary mitigations were taken to ensure appropriate learning and working conditions were maintained, including the use of temporary heating solutions.

Kids at the school have had to wrap up warm “Staff have been fully supportive; as always the wellbeing of children and staff remains the school’s highest priority and the affected area is monitored daily.

Up until October 2012, legal requirements which specified what the minimum temperatures had to be in school classrooms were set out in the Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999.

The National Education Union (NEU) adds: “These were replaced in 2012 by the School Premises (England) Regulations 2012 which do not specify minimum temperatures for any parts of a school."

It advises: “The NEU position remains that temperatures in school classrooms should be at least 18ºC (64.4ºF).

“The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which apply to all workplaces, including schools, set out minimum temperature requirements.

“They require that temperatures shall be 'reasonable', defined as 'normally at least 16°C' (60°F).

“This applies to non-teaching areas as well as classrooms and applies outside school session times.”