Pupils at Golden Valley Primary School are enjoying an extended summer holiday as building work at their school is running over into term time.

North Somerset Council sent builders onto the Nailsea Park site at the beginning of the summer holidays to update its fire safety installations – some nearly 50 years old.

This involved ‘extensive internal work’ on the 1970s building included ‘removing existing asbestos fire breaks under controlled conditions and creating compliant fire safety zones’.

Head teacher Kevin Lynch told parents in a letter posted on the school website: “Due to the nature of this work, ceilings and lighting in the original building have had to be completely removed and replaced.

“Although work is progressing well, several unforeseen problems have arisen that have required immediate action.

“These include replacing the entire school fire alarm system; installing a new CCTV system covering the whole school; removal and installation of pipe work insulation; improvements to ventilation in the kitchen and pupil toilets.

“North Somerset Council has also commissioned the complete re-decoration of the original building in order to correct damage to paint work that has occurred during the work.

“All of this is on top of the original project scope which in itself has been a huge undertaking for just six weeks over the summer holiday period.

“With all this in mind, we have to inform you that the original timescales for the project are not going to be met, regrettably.

“Instead of being able to return on Thursday, September 5, pupils will not be able to return to school until Monday, September 9.”

Parents were only informed a few days ago and as well as the children having an extra holiday it has also disrupted the timetable for four-year-olds starting school for the first time.

The staggered start for reception has been delayed but by Monday, September 30, all new pupils will be attending full time, said Mr Lynch.

Along with chair of governors Jane Turner both have apologised for the lack of notice and are anxious everyone including the new starters learn of the new back-to-school date.

Mr Lynch added: “We appreciate that this may cause inconvenience to some of you now that you are required to plan additional childcare to fit with the revised induction schedule.

“We want you to know, however, that this has only been done with the children’s best interests in mind but apologise that we have not been able to communicate this to you before now.”

The builders are working flat out to ensure the back to school Monday deadline is achievable.

Trendlewood Church congregation which usually hold its Sunday services at Golden Valley moved temporarily to Nailsea School for the duration of the building work.

The school emails and telephone numbers are currently out-of-order.

• Similar back-to-school delays are also happening at Ravenswood School, at Pound Lane, Nailsea, which buses pupils in from all over North Somerset. Luckily head teacher Mark Senior was able to warn parents before the end of the summer term. Children will be back on Monday, September 9, after the completion of fire safety work and asbestos removable.

• UPDATE: Read more on the Nailsea People school peeps page by clicking HERE.