THE headteacher of Canon Lee School in York has apologised to parents after putting back the start date of term for the second time.

The school, at Clifton, will not open for the autumn term on Monday as planned.

Building work on a three-storey extension which started at Christmas has been going on all through the summer holiday.

Headteacher Kevin Deadman, who had already had to delay the start of term from Thursday this week until Monday, has written to parents again to apologise for the extra delay.

Year Seven children will now start on Wednesday afternoon and the rest of the school on Thursday morning.

Mr Deadman said the decision had been made to ensure that staff and pupils were in a safe, orderly and clean environment.

"I sincerely apologise for further changes to our plans and the difficulties these will cause," he said.

"Despite the enormous efforts from all concerned it has been proved impossible to meet our deadline for opening on Monday."

He said both the construction company Weaver Construction and staff at the school had worked very hard to get the school ready.

The decision was made in consultation with education chiefs at the City of York Council.

Chris Edwards, deputy education director, said: "We understand and regret the inconvenience this will cause parents and carers, but hope they agree that our first priority must be the health and safety of pupils and staff at the school."