PART of Oxfordshire's biggest primary school is out of bounds due to potential safety risks.

Scaffolding has been put up at Windmill Primary School in Headington, after a site survey revealed the need for urgent structural work to the main building.

Five classes - all of Year 4 and some of Year 3 - have been displaced, and are due back today after two days off while temporary teaching arrangements were made.

Other classes went back to school as normal on Monday.

George Eleftheriou, director for property, investment and facilities management at Oxfordshire County Council, said: "The safety and welfare of children and teachers is always our number one priority.

"While no one was in any danger, we concluded that work should take place as soon as possible, to preserve the buildings and repair damage."

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Works are expected to last beyond Christmas, at least.

One displaced class will temporarily study in the gym, one in the library and one in the music room, while others are ready to move into temporary classrooms today.

The council-run school in Margaret Road teaches about 630 children, and underwent delayed building work in 2015 as part of its expansion.

Oxford Mail:

Head Lynn Knapp pictured in 2015, during building works at Windmill

The council conducted a site survey on the last day before half term, the Friday before last, looking at the conditions of the school buildings.

Mr Eleftheriou said: "Due to their age, some parts have deteriorated to a point where immediate work is needed to ensure structural integrity.

"Temporary classrooms will allow the school to continue providing education for every pupil, with minimal disruption."

Headteacher Lynn Knapp said the school has had to adapt to the unexpected challenge, and that the safety of the children is 'paramount'.

The council expects four or five classrooms will arrive at the 'outstanding'-rated school in the next month.

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Two have already been installed on the front lawn.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the school thanked parents for their 'patience and understanding'.

Staff wrote: "We know that the building work is far from ideal - thank you for engaging so positively with school under the circumstances.

"We would also like to thank the school team of teachers and teaching assistants who have taken everything in their stride and worked extremely hard to keep Windmill as normal as possible for everyone.

"The building work around school is likely to continue over and beyond Christmas as different areas of the site are looked at and corrected."

It said two temporary classrooms will be used by Year 3 classes this month, before being replaced with 'more suitable teaching spaces.'

It added that the middle playground is 'out of bounds' to allow builders access.

The post commended the council for reacting with speed to the situation.

A previous post on the page said: "The work will ensure the longevity and safety of the buildings long into the future."

The council has not yet confirmed what the cost of the works is expected to be.