EDUCATION chiefs have insisted work is on schedule at the new Jewell Academy in Bournemouth.

They say Reception and Year 1 classes will be up and running at the former Townsend School next month.

Bournemouth council and the Aspirations Academies Trust spoke out after worried parents contacted the Daily Echo about the state of building work.

The parent, who does not wish to be named, said: “We are already half way through August and classes should start on September 4.

“My husband visited the site and said it looks abandoned – we are very concerned.”

Felicity Draper, access manager for community learning and commissioning at Bournemouth council, said: “Work on Jewell Academy is progressing well.

“This will provide classrooms and an outdoor play area enabling the school to be ready in September to accept two reception classes and a year one class.”

She said work on other parts of the school would continue throughout the school year but added: “During the works, the area will be cordoned off to minimise any disruption to students and staff.”

The academy will be run by the Aspirations Academies Trust and spokesman Sally Lissenden said: “All staff have already been appointed and are ready and excited to be part of the new school.

“Many children and parents have already met their teacher and received some of their new uniform at an event in July and there will be an opportunity for families who missed this date to meet their teacher and collect uniform before term starts.”

She said new parents would receive information packs next week.