School site change 'horrible and chaotic', say parents

Parents of Newhaven pupils moved to an alternative school site on safety grounds have described dropping off and picking up their children as "horrible" and "complete chaos".

Youngsters at the Breakwater Academy in Valley Road have been temporarily relocated to High Cliff Academy in Southdown Road after an assessment of the building.

Lewes MP James MacCleary has urged the school to confirm a return to the Breakwater site, as well as transport arrangements and measures to manage traffic and congestion.

The STEP Academy Trust, which runs Breakwater Academy, said pupil and staff safety and ensuring that "pupils' learning goes undisturbed" was its "absolute priority".

A spokesperson for the trust said it was now awaiting the outcome of an application to the Department for Education's school rebuild programme, which was expected in the spring term.

"This will dictate next steps, including the timescales for the co-location," they added.

Parent Rheannon Minett, who described the situation as "complete chaos", said pick-up times for the two academies should be staggered.

"Fifteen minutes would benefit everyone I think," she said.

Dani Scallan said it was "horrible" travelling to the new site.

She added: "There's cars everywhere, there's buses everywhere, there's two schools of parents - it's chaotic."

Kat Luomanen said while the move had created a "really bad" parking situation, she believed it was the best solution given the circumstances

"For the kids, not being split all over Newhaven is a good thing," she added.

MacCleary and fellow Lib Dem and East Sussex County Councillor for Newhaven and Bishopstone, Lesley Boniface, have asked for a meeting with the trust.

A letter signed by the pair reads: "Families, staff and residents are entitled to clear answers on how this relocation will operate in practice and what the long-term future holds for Breakwater Academy."

Confirming that the building assessment was "planned", the spokesperson continued: "We are pleased to have found a solution which ensures that the school community can remain intact and continue in a high-quality learning environment."

The trust said it was "committed" to working with all parties to "ensure a smooth transition".

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Sussex on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.