A HOCKLEY school will not re-open next week after delays in the delivery of new classrooms, leaving parents “living in fear” about their children’s education.

New flat-pack classrooms were due to be installed at Hockley Primary School, in Chevening Gardens, ahead of September 4, after the Department for Education (DfE) forced the site to shut in June.

The discovery of reinforced autoclaved concrete in the ceiling sparked safety concerns and children where sent to nearby schools instead.

However, according to a letter sent out to parents on Friday, seen by the Echo, the DfE and its contractor McAvoy has said the project cannot be delivered on time.

The Academies Enterprise Trust – which manages the school – has ruled out online lessons but was unable to confirm what plan will be put in place.

One parent, who asked not to be named, has said: “I am fuming because it is utterly ridiculous.

“They have had long enough to sort this out, and it is clear no progress has been made at all.

“My child keeps asking me if he is going to school, and I have to say no to him, which breaks my heart.

“I have no confidence in this meeting at all, given the lack of firm, concrete updates so far.”

A second parent, who also asked to stay anonymous, says the teachers and the headteacher are “fantastic and the frustration of updates does not lie with them”.

A spokesman for the the trust said: “We share our families’ frustrations and are continuing to raise our concerns at every opportunity and every level of government.”

A spokesman for the DfE said: “The Department is working closely with Academies Enterprise Trust and a temporary accommodation contractor to make sure that face-to-face learning is in place for impacted pupils for the start of term.

“We recognise that parents and families will be feeling anxious, and we are working with school leaders to finalise arrangements to minimise disruption.”

A meeting is being held at 6.30pm tomorrow, at Westerings School, Sunny Road, Hockley for parents.