PARENTS in south Essex have shared their concerns after their children's return to school was thwarted by last minute safety fears.

Many youngsters across the region have been told their school has been forced into pushing back their reopening dates due to "unsafe" buildings.

As many as 65 schools across Essex have been identified as having been built with collapsible Raac concrete.

They include Winter Gardens Academy on Canvey Island, Hockley Primary School and Kingsdown School, in Eastwood.

Echo: Safety fears - schools across Essex have been shut due to the presence of RaacSafety fears - schools across Essex have been shut due to the presence of Raac (Image: PA)

Parents have told the Echo about the anxiety and stress the last minute changes have caused to their families.

Craig Stacey said he fears children have been put “at risk” by a perceived lack of action from the Government.

Anne Marie Nic Gearailt said her family has been impacted by the partial closure of Appleton School in Benfleet.

“Now I have to work from home which will mean annoying my employers and risking my job,” she said.

Sarah Read said she feels sympathetic for staff at schools affected by the unforeseen delays.

She added: “I feel sorry for the staff, all of these changes, disruptions and massive reorganisation to be implemented days before the return to school is shocking.

“And to all the pupils and parents, this isn’t good to be told this days before they return to schools.”

The Government remained under pressure to reveal its list of schools hit by the concrete crisis over the weekend.

Echo: Worried - Southend MP Anna Firth said she is 'deeply concerned' about the crisisWorried - Southend MP Anna Firth said she is 'deeply concerned' about the crisis

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan is due to inform Parliament on Monday “of the plan to keep parents and the public updated on the issue”.

She said disruption caused by the issue should last “days, not weeks” even in cases where pandemic-style remote learning was made necessary due to building closures.

Parent Emma Howes criticised the Government for not taking any action over the six week summer break.

“After Covid this is just another thing to disrupt children’s education and their parents’ employment,” she said.

Shane O’Grady added: “This is getting serious now. I hope a builder can be found before they do collapse.”