Health and safety problems at the temporary home of Harris Academy have been tackled, the city council has said.
Teachers’ concerns about the former Rockwell High building on Lawton Road were raised publicly last week by Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) representative Arthur Forrest during a meeting of the education committee.
He said staff had told him of a lack of security, no phones on part of the site, dirty corridors, a lack of storage space, windows that could not be opened, desks that pupils could not sit comfortably at and whiteboards placed too high to use.
Education director Michael Wood promised to visit the school and report back to councillors on the action being taken to resolve any outstanding issues. His findings have now been released.
He said: “The school opened to staff on Monday August 12 following the summer holiday period.
“Additional time of three days had been provided to enable staff to adapt to the new surroundings and to prepare subject areas and classrooms for the new term.”
Mr Wood said he had toured the school the day before pupils arrived and found staff in a positive mood, with no issues of concern being raised with him.
“Indeed, there was a clear view that the Rockwell building was a marked improvement on the former Harris site,” he said.
The director insisted the school was secure, with the phone system now fully operational and all staff aware of the keypad entry for the main door.
There had been a claim by teachers that insufficient keys meant physical education staff were having to carry valuables rather than store them securely.
Mr Wood said the issue had been in hand, with head teacher James Thewliss having met a locksmith on August 15.
“General storage issues are being resolved. There are ongoing discussions with guidance staff to find suitable meeting venues. Work is ongoing to ensure a high level of cleanliness in the school.”
Having been told of a teacher having to stand on a chair to write on a whiteboard, Mr Wood said: “Whiteboards have been placed in the correct position in almost all settings and an IT action plan is in place.
“There is no need for any staff member to stand on a chair.”
He added: “The head teacher was aware that some windows had proved difficult to open. Caretakers and contractors have been working their way around school releasing windows when informed.
“Teachers have now removed obsolete drawers to enable pupils to sit comfortably at benches.”
Councillors have been invited to tour the school, where Harris Academy will spend the next three years while its Perth Road building is demolished and replaced at a cost of £31 million.
Education convener Stewart Hunter said: “We spent quite a significant amount of money getting Rockwell ready to take Harris Academy around £1 million.
“There were always going to be snagging issues once teachers arrived, and we have been working hard to get them all fixed.
“We are quite happy with the situation now. I have been to the school and spoken to the head teacher and some members of staff, and they were really quite positive. They now just want to get on and teach the children.”