A temporary building will be set up at a school after a structural survey found the roof was unsafe.

Children at St John’s’ Catholic Primary School in Rickmansworth have been learning in spare classrooms at a neighbouring school for some months now after safety concerns on the main building’s condition were raised.

Earlier in the year, a routine conditions survey found that the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete used for the roof was not up to standard.

The material was commonly used for roofing in the past, but it has since been found that it can deteriorate and impact the structural integrity of buildings.

Watford Observer: Gagan Mohindra (left) during a visit at the school. Credit: FacebookGagan Mohindra (left) during a visit at the school. Credit: Facebook

South West Hertfordshire MP Gagan Mohindra says that he was concerned about how disruptive working off site could be for children and staff.

He said: “I am keen to see all pupils back in a permanent school building as soon as possible.

“Last week I met with Baroness Barran, the minister for the school system, to discuss this. The minister reassured me that the severity of the issues at St John’s are recognised.”

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Since the roofing problem was established, parents were kept up to date with the situation through regular newsletters and drop in session meetings.

Watford Observer: St John's Catholic Primary SchoolSt John's Catholic Primary School

Work has been quickly progressing for a modular building that is expected to open up this week.

Stephen Wheatley, CEO of All Saints Catholic Academy Trust that runs the school, said: “Safety of our pupils and staff is paramount so we acted quickly to vacate the parts of the building that pose significant risk. 

“Since then our children have been educated using spare classrooms at nearby Shepherd Primary School and in mobile classrooms and the church hall on our site. 

“We are delighted that we are due to take delivery this week of our new modular building which will be sited on our school field and will allow the whole school to be together again whilst we continue to work with the Department for Education, the Diocese of Westminster and Hertfordshire County Council to identify a more permanent solution for St John’s school building moving forward.”