PUPILS are being taught in a school hall for almost a month after their classroom roof sprung a leak.

Year 1 youngsters at Highfields Primary School in Lawford have had to vacate their classroom after water damage appeared.

They are now being taught in the school hall but parents want to know when the problem will be resolved.

It is understood the roof was replaced or refurbished just 18 months ago.

An Essex County Council spokesman said: “The school is one of 12 primary schools where maintenance is dealt with through the Tendring Public Private Partnership contract.

“This means the 12 schools were rebuilt or refurbished at start of contract with private money and Essex County Council has been in contact with the provider since then who provides maintenance of the buildings.

“The schools are not the maintenance responsibility of the council.

“However, I can confirm the issue is being dealt with as a matter of urgency with the immediate cause having already been dealt with.

“Further investigations are being carried out to ensure there is no residual water remaining in the roof linings and there has been no damage to these linings as a result of the leaks.

“Once these investigations are complete, remedial work to the classrooms can commence so the school can re-occupy them.

Replacement furnishings have been ordered and the remedial work should be completed soon.”