The independent Root Cause Analysis into the issues affecting Maddiston Primary School has been published and will be discussed at Falkirk Council Executive Committee on 21 May 2026.

You can watch the meeting on our Youtube channel and a copy of the Root Cause Analysis report is also available to download.

The report confirms that the problems were caused by defects in the original construction of the building, including weaknesses in quality assurance, design coordination and supervision at that time.

There is no evidence that maintenance or day‑to‑day school operations contributed to these issues, which were hidden within the structure.

Work is now progressing to fully reinstate the school, with additional £14 million investment approved and a target completion date of August 2027.

Robust safety measures are in place at the live school site, including secure separation of construction works, controlled access, and traffic management arrangements to always ensure pupil and staff safety.

The Council has also strengthened how construction projects are managed to ensure lessons are learned and applied going forward.

Thank you for your continued support while this work progresses.

Maddiston Primary School – Frequently Asked Questions (May 2026)

What has caused the issues with the school building?

An independent review has confirmed that the issues were caused by defects in the original construction of the school (2006-2008), including weaknesses in construction quality, design coordination and supervision at that time.

Did recent maintenance or the running of the school contribute to the problem?

No. The review found no evidence that maintenance or day-to-day school operations contributed to these issues. The defects were hidden within the structure and would not have been identified through routine inspections.

Is the school safe for pupils and staff now?

Yes. Areas currently in use have been assessed as safe. Strict safety measures are in place, including secure separation between the school and construction works, controlled access arrangements, and supervision of vehicle and pedestrian movements.

What are you doing to keep children safe during the current school arrangements?

We have carefully assessed a range of factors within our Operational Risk Assessment linked to the current arrangements at Maddiston Primary School. Our priority is to ensure that all children, staff and visitors remain safe, secure and well supported. Our Operational Risk Assessment references operational activity areas and identified hazards. Each hazard is supported by control measures, each of which is assigned a lead officer to ensure these are implemented and evident in our operational arrangements. In summary, the risk assessment references:

• Construction works on site - Strict measures are in place to prevent unauthorised access to the construction area, ensuring children remain safely separated from building works.
• Use of school building (P1-P3) - Additional safety controls are in place while parts of the building are occupied during construction.
• Safeguarding arrangements have been strengthened to ensure children remain protected at all times.
• We are monitoring staff and pupil wellbeing closely and providing ongoing support. 
• Traffic management arrangements are in place to reduce congestion and minimise road safety risks.
• School security has been enhanced to manage access to the site.
• Use of the Community Centre - Careful supervision and safe movement arrangements are in place for children travelling between the school and the community centre.

What safety measures are in place during construction?

Measures include secure fencing and hoarding, controlled site access, traffic management arrangements, strict worker induction processes, and ongoing risk assessment and monitoring. The construction activity is managed in compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).

What work is being done to fix the school?

The Council is carrying out a full reinstatement of the original building, including structural repairs and replacement of affected elements based on detailed engineering assessments.

When will the school fully reopen?

The current programme indicates a target completion date of August 2027.

Who is carrying out the work?

The project is being delivered in partnership with Hub East Central, with Ogilvie Construction Ltd appointed as the main contractor. 

Who is responsible for the original defects?

The review indicates that primary responsibility lies with the original contractor and its subcontractors, although aspects of oversight at the time could have been stronger. The Council is considering appropriate next steps.

What has changed to ensure this doesn’t happen again?

The Council has strengthened governance, quality assurance, inspection processes, and introduced a Project Assurance Checklist for all major construction projects.

Are other schools affected?

Checks have been carried out across other schools, and no similar widespread issues have been identified.

Will pupils' education continue as normal?

Yes. Current learning arrangements remain in place across the Maddiston Campus and partner schools to support pupils' learning and wellbeing. 

How will parents be kept informed?

Updates will continue through the school website, newsletters and direct communication from the school.

Will the building works interrupt learning in Maddiston Campus?

We recognise that, as this is a live construction site, some noise and disruption are unavoidable. However, steps are in place to minimise the impact on learning.

The noisiest works are being planned for school holidays or quieter times where possible, and activities during term time are carefully managed. School leaders will also use practical measures, such as adjusting timetables or spaces, to maintain a positive learning environment. 

While some disruption is expected, this is temporary and necessary to ensure the school is ready for August 2027, with significantly improved facilities for pupils and staff. We will continue to monitor and respond to any issues to support learning throughout.

Who is overseeing the work that is taking place onsite?

We recognise that construction activity can have the potential to impact on the school day. To ensure this is carefully managed, a dedicated project manager is in place to oversee all aspects of the works.

The project manager works closely with school leaders and the local authority to coordinate activity, address any issues quickly, and plan work in a way that minimises disruption to learning. This provides clear oversight and accountability throughout the project.