PERTH PARENTS were demanding answers yesterday after two primary schools closed when the heating systems failed—one for the second day in succession.

Oakbank Primary was forced to delay the start of term yet again when classrooms proved still too cold for pupils after Monday’s boiler fault, while Craigie Primary also closed after a heating control fault.

It left hundreds of pupils locked out and scores of parents scrabbling for last-minute childcare, although Oakbank did open later in the morning and Craigie opened in the afternoon.

One grandmother said she checked with the council at 8.10am and was told the school was open, only to be told on arrival her granddaughter could not go in.

She said, “I’ll be able to change my day to suit but what about all the working parents? If they are being told the school is open and then turning up like this to find it closed, what choice have they got but to take the day off and lose money?”

Another mother said, “It’s absolutely appalling. The school was shut yesterday because the boiler broke down but we were assured there was no problem today.

“I was leaving at 8.45 when a neighbour stopped me to say she had just heard on the radio it was closed. Where’s the communication?

“There was no warning and now I have to arrange childcare for the second day.”

After Monday’s closure, local councillor Alexander Stewart called for an early warning system and contingency plans, not least because the fault had been present for some months.

Even the announcement of the re-opening was bungled according to another father.

He said, “Yet again I’m walking with my child and other parents have stopped me to tell me.

“I tried ringing the school yesterday and again this morning but got no answer and there is no mention on the council or school websites.”

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said parents were kept updated through information on local radio, the council website and various phone lines.

She said, “We regret any inconvenience caused as a result of these closures. It is council policy to always keep a school open where at all possible and it is only in exceptional circumstances that a decision is made to close a school.

“Clear procedures are in place for dealing with emergency closures and these procedures were followed both yesterday and today and the appropriate media announcements made at the earliest opportunity.

“The operation of the heating systems in both schools is being closely monitored.

“A replacement boiler is planned for Oakbank Primary School. A detailed programme is being finalised for installation of the new boiler at the earliest possible opportunity.”