CHILDREN expecting to move into new classrooms at Oxfordshire’s largest primary school will have to wait until after term starts.

The completion of four new classrooms at Windmill Primary School in Headington has been delayed by more than two weeks after Oxfordshire County Council promised they would be finished in time for the autumn term.

The promise was made after headteacher Lynn Knapp said she had been ‘fobbed off’ by the council, leading to more than 100 parents and staff writing letters to the local authority in protest at the lack of communication.

The classrooms now will not be fit for children to be taught in until September 21.

Councillors and parents at the school have criticised the council for the ‘entirely avoidable’ delay in works.

Headington resident and father-of-three Mike Ratcliffe has seen all of his children go through the school, which was recently classed as outstanding by government inspector Ofsted.

His nine-year-old daughter Helena will begin Year 5 at the school on Thursday.

The 45-year-old said: “I think my daughter’s one of the children who would be going into the new classrooms.

“When work began the council said it would all be fine – obviously it isn’t.

“I’m sure the school will find a solution but it’s an entirely avoidable situation.

“The real question is why did they start so late and why has it taken so long?”

Mrs Knapp said she was ‘relieved’ the building work was not delayed for longer.

She added: “I’m quite relieved that we’re only two weeks behind. That’s something we can manage.

The contractor has worked blooming hard and it has increased its manpower.

“We will make sure that it’s going to be as stress-free as possible.

“The building work doesn’t really impact the schoolchildren, except for access to the building in the morning, when only one gate will be opened.”

Oxfordshire county councillor for Headington and Quarry Roz Smith said: “I have to say that I’m more than a bit disappointed, the school is outstanding and it should have the facilities to reflect that.”

Oxfordshire County Council spokeswoman Emily Reed said contractors had finished internal works by August 21.

She added: “Windmill Primary School was keen that staff had time to acquaint themselves with the new buildings and organise the layout of furnishings to suit their teaching needs. “This decision means that all works will be completed by Saturday, September 19.”