EDUCATION chiefs are reassuring parents whose children will miss a fortnight's teaching because a new £32m school is not ready.

Pupils must avoid Bishop Justus CofE School, Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley, until September 19 two weeks after term should start.

Then pupils taught in temporary classrooms since September will join this year's intake in the new buildings.

Areas including the library and sports hall will still be unfinished.

Karen Lowton's 12-year-old son Oliver attends the school.

The 37-year-old mum, of Warnford Road, Orpington, said: "Last month I was asked to sign a letter agreeing to be fined if Oliver became truant and taking children on holiday outside term times would not be allowed.

"Since then I've been told not to send Oliver to school on July 5 as there will be no room for him.

"Now I have been told to keep him away for a further two weeks in September."

She added: "I'm amazed there's been no imagination shown over how these children can continue to receive the education they need and deserve."

Bromley Local Education Authority said the delay was regrettable but many obstacles had been overcome to provide the school with the new buildings and it would be worth the wait.

Assistant director of education Gillian Pearson said: "We made the decision after looking at all options to minimise disruption for pupils.

"The school feels it can make good the loss of two weeks over the course of the year."

Headteacher Kathy Griffiths said: "The governors and I have every confidence the move into our new building will go smoothly.

"The school will make good use of its superb new facilities next term."

Plans for the school were conceived in 1999 but there were major problems securing planing permission for a suitable site.

An application to make the Magpie Hall Lane site a village green caused further delays.

The entire development should be compete by Easter next year.