Building work at a primary school in Douglas has fallen behind schedule, meaning some six- and seven-year-olds are being taught in the grounds of a nearby secondary school.

And pupils starting the new school year at St Mary’s Roman Catholic primary are being served packed lunches as the kitchen is not fully operational.

The school, which is bounded by Somerset Road, Woodbourne Road and Ballaquayle Road in Douglas, is undergoing a £3.6m plan to extend and refurbish the school, which has seen an increase in the number of pupils in recent years.

Work had been due to be finished before children returned to school yesterday (Wednesday).

But the project is several weeks behind schedule and is now looking more likely to be completed by the end of October.

Parents were informed of the delay by email or text at about noon on Monday and told that it would result in Year Two children being educated off the school site for the next few weeks.

They are being educated in mobile classrooms situated at St Ninian’s High School. Last year Year Six (10- and 11-year-olds) were taught there.

As the Manx Independent went to press, it emerged that due to the works, parents had been sent a text on Wednesday informing them that their children who have school dinners would be receiving a packed lunch this week with the kitchen not serving hot food until next Monday.

Concerned parents contacted the Manx Independent after being told by text and email that Year Two pupils would be taught across at St Ninian’s.

An email sent from the school’s head teacher Donna Martin said: ’We are looking forward to welcoming the children back on Wednesday. As you know, the building work was due to be completed for our return. Unfortunately, there have been some delays.

’The reception classroom will be located in the room under the new sports hall. Year One will be in the classroom where 2W were, during summer term. Year Two will be using the mobiles over at St Ninian’s for a few weeks. All KS2 [Key Stage 2, aged seven to 11] classrooms remain as planned.

’Although this is a setback, we will continue to make sure the children are kept safe at all times and disruption to their learning is kept to a minimum. We will keep you updated with any more news.’

One parent who contacted the Manx Independent said that he was concerned about his children being taken across the road to St Ninian’s and back several times a day both from a health and safety point of view, but also due to the time they would lose either in teaching time or play time.

The parent was also aware of other parents who had been told to ensure their children had their inhalers on them due to the risk of dust from the building site.

The parents we spoke to were also annoyed that the school office wasn’t open until Wednesday for them to be able to discuss their concerns.

There is a zebra crossing on Somerset Road, between the two schools.

A Department of Education, Sport and Culture spokesman said: ’It has been signed off as safe for students by all the relevant authorities.’

The spokesman added: ’Building work is still in progress but it will be screened off and not accessible by pupils.

’Year Two, as they have been since the start of the project, are temporarily located at St Ninian’s and we expect them to move back within a few weeks. The work is expected to be complete by October half term.’