School's cold classes criticised

Rain and cold weather have disrupted lessons in the cabins

A school which has to hold lessons in temporary classrooms has been criticised by Ofsted inspectors.

Chulmleigh Community College in Devon has dropped from good to satisfactory in a new inspection report because of its poor quality accommodation.

The school holds two-thirds of its lessons in temporary classrooms. Devon County Council said a lack of money had held up any plans for new buildings.

Principal Michael Johnson called for more council funding after the report.

Government inspectors reported lessons were delayed because rooms were too cold and damp conditions had stopped pupils using computers.

It's absolutely terrible to have to sit and work in cold, damp classrooms Alex White, pupil

On Tuesday, a lesson was disrupted when rain poured into a closed window.

Mr Johnson said: "I do not know what I can do about this situation. Ofsted have now reported twice about inadequate buildings.

"This is a responsibility of the county council. There is nothing I can do. I am extremely frustrated about it."

Lack of money

Pupils have called the classrooms "appalling".

One, Alex White, said: "It's absolutely terrible to have to sit and work in cold, damp classrooms."

Governors and parents have campaigned for temporary classrooms to be replaced.

The school estimated it would cost £3m to bring the temporary classrooms up to standard, or more than £7m to replace them with 16 purpose-built classrooms.

A council spokesman said a new sports hall had been built in recent years and some of the worst temporary classrooms recently replaced.

The council said it is held up by a lack of money and is awaiting an announcement from the government on how much it can spend on a new school building.