EDUCATION bosses have been left red-faced after failing to complete a three-classroom extension at an Irvine school.

Two weeks ago North Ayrshire council announced that the new modular class room extension would be ready “in time for the new school term.”

However the Times can reveal that as children returned to school this week the temporary classrooms were still not fit for purpose and children were being taught in the main building for at least the first week.

Education chiefs today admitted there had been “a slight delay” in getting the units ready for the start of the school term.

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “There has been a slight delay to the opening of the units as we are awaiting the delivery of specialist equipment.

“We don’t envisage any further issues and we expect the classrooms to be open by the end of the week.

“While it is unfortunate they are not quite complete, it will not disrupt teaching and learning in the new session.”

The decision to install the modular classrooms was taken earlier this year to cope with the school’s increasing pupil roll.

The temporary modular classrooms are being installed ahead of further work – scheduled to get under way next summer – to build a new PE facility and the creation of a new early learning and childcare provision.

It is expected that this £2.95million expansion will be operational from August 2020.