Edinburgh school pupils moved to alternate teaching centres

A number of primary school pupils have been moved to alternative teaching centers, after their schools were closed due to safety concerns.

In particular, the P6 and P7 pupils from Oxgangs Primary were transported to the Wester Hailes Education Centre after their schools were shut down. However, the children are now set to be moved to Niddrie Mill Primary School, after parents objected to the state of buildings.

Data shows that so far 61 alternative schools are being used following the unveiling of major safety concerns in some of Edinburgh’s schools. Furthermore, 655 teachers have been relocated, while 70 bus services have been commissioned to transport pupils.

Alistair Gaw, City of Edinburgh Council's acting executive director of communities and families, said: "We have responded to concerns raised by some parents and new arrangements for Oxgangs P6 and P7 pupils have been put in place within a primary school environment at Niddrie Mill Primary.

"In addition, we are also reviewing bus timetables with the aim of extending the school day for secondary school pupils. We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments to arrangements as required. These arrangements are temporary, and we continue to press Edinburgh Schools Partnership for further information about the PPP1 schools.

"We recognise this has been a challenging time for parents and pupils and I'd like to thank them for their patience and support. I'd also like to pay tribute to teachers across the city for their dedication and professionalism in responding to the situation, and helping make the alternative arrangements work in practice."