A PRIMARY school relying on its headteacher’s office for lessons is set to get a permanent building - almost a quarter of a decade after first using a “temporary” classroom.

Essex County Council says the existing structure at Cold Norton Primary School  – which has used a relocatable classroom since 2001 – is in poor condition and would require significant investment to extend its usable life.

The new building will provide a classroom, small group room, lobby, storage and toilets and will be built on the footprint of the existing building which will be demolished.

However, the council said there is now no guarantee further temporary planning permissions will be granted as it is “apparent the need is no longer temporary”.

The school has had a temporary classroom since 2001.

At present unsuitable spaces, including the headteacher’s office, are having to be used for small group work or one-to-one support.

The council says a small group room will help alleviate this issue.

The school hopes work will start in May this year and be completed in August.

The county council said in a statement: “The school currently has one relocatable classroom which is used for teaching.

“This relocatable is in poor condition and would require significant investment to prolong its usable life.

“In addition, there is a risk the temporary planning permissions which are extant on this accommodation could be refused by the local planning authority as it is apparent the need is no longer temporary, but a permanent need requiring a permanent built solution.

“The school also has a deficiency in group space.

“At present unsuitable spaces, including the headteacher’s office, are having to be used for small group work or one-to-one support. The provision of a small group room will help alleviate this issue.

“Should these places not be maintained locally, then there is a strong possibility increased car journeys will need to be made outside the local area, in order for parents to secure a preferred primary school placement.

"However, by enhancing provision which sits directly within the area of demand it is not unreasonable to see this as the more sustainable solution, with children able to walk, cycle or scoot to their local school, reducing congestion and the subsequent impact it has upon public health.”