Parents have voiced their frustration at the Vale council for its handling of the Y Bont Faen Primary School closure to Key Stage 2 pupils.

The school closed its doors to Key Stage 2 pupils last week following major safety concerns after ceiling tiles fell in a classroom, narrowly missing a school visitor.

Pupils in year groups three and four have been relocated to South Point Primary School in Rhoose and parents have been informed that repairs could take up to 16 weeks.

Year five and six pupils have been moved to Cowbridge Town Hall to continue their learning.

The Vale of Glamorgan Council issued a statement on May 19 about the situation at Y Bont Faen Primary School.

A public meeting was hosted by Alun Cairns MP at United Free Church on Friday, May 20 and was attended by over 50 people including local councillors and school governors who listened to concerns over safety and child welfare.

At the meeting, Mr Cairns said: "I called this meeting having been contacted by a number of distressed parents regarding the safety challenges at Y Bont Faen. I could sense the anger and frustration directed towards the Vale for how this dangerous situation has come about.

Pupils in year groups four, five and six have been relocated to South Point Primary School in Rhoose while repairs could take up to 16 weeks. (Image credit: Alun Cairns MP)

"The school staff and Governors have done all they can to minimise disruption to pupils learning, who were left by the Vale Council to source alternative locations for learning themselves.

"The Vale council need to take more accountability for their actions and keep staff, pupils, and parents updated of the current situation. I invited the council to ask a representative to attend the meeting, but they declined.

"I have therefore written to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to call on them to do an urgent site review. I've asked the council to review the current school arrangements for those affected, and I've asked for a specific schedule to be published confirming details of the work that is necessary, along with specific timelines.

"Children's safety must be paramount, and the council must ensure a safe return to school."

Newly elected Cowbridge councillor, Charles Champion, said at the meeting: "I have been working very closely with the school and the governors to understand the safety issues at hand.

"I and Cllrs Nick Wood and Robert Fisher have been in constant communication with the council to call on them for action. The public meeting was great to better understand the views and concerns of parents and it was massively disappointing to see that the Vale Council declined to attend.

"If parents or staff have any concerns moving forward, please contact us."

Cowbridge Nub News has contacted Y Bont Faen Primary School for comment.

Are you a parent of a Y Bont Faen Primary School Key Stage 2 pupil? We want to hear from you. Email [email protected]