A school was forced to close its playground almost two weeks after it had been reopened when a wall separating the school from a building site became unsafe.

Youngsters at Crowlands Primary School, London Road, Romford, were unable to use the playground last Friday due to ongoing problems on a neighbouring construction site.

Ray Harvey, whose son goes to the school, said: “The children are really disappointed that the playground has had to close.

“They can’t use it because it is putting their safety at risk – especially if something was to fall on them.”

School staff were forced to shut the playground from March to June this year after fears that the wall separating the school and the building site was unsafe.

The playground finally opened on June 10, but was closed for a day after staff again became worried about the wall.

The playground was open as normal on Monday. Headteacher Hayley McClenaghan said: “The children’s safety is paramount. I did not want the children in the playground if there is a risk that the wall is unsafe.”

Parent Katy Alford added: “It is ridiculous. It has been going on for such a long time and it is terrible that our children were being put at risk.”

In December 2011, councillors approved plans for a care home to be built next to the school.

Mrs McClenaghan said that the school had reached agreement with the builders and the developers that no work would take place in the area next to the school during the school day.

She added: “The children’s welfare and safety is our highest priority and we will continue to work with the builders and developer and the council to ensure their safety at all times.

“While the closure of the playground has been inconvenient, we have ensured the children could enjoy exploring other outdoor areas of the school at playtimes to ensure they are still able to play outside.”