On January 7, 2026, the temporary classrooms of the CEIP Oltà school in Calp, located in the Gargasindi district, opened their doors to approximately 400 students in preschool and primary school. The school is located behind the Silene d'Ifac nursery school, along with the modules, also temporary, of the IES Les Salines, which came into operation at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year, in September.
Two weeks after the school opened, the Civil Guard has received complaints detailing various problems on the school grounds and in the surrounding area. The documents, which this newsroom has seen, indicate that the primary school is "unfinished," with the potential drawbacks this could cause for a functioning center for young children.
They indicate "construction debris, dirt, and loose tools," as well as the existence of areas that "are not properly equipped or safe for teaching," noting that there are construction workers on the premises "while students are in class." They also specify that the schoolyard is "tar" or "asphalt," considered to be in "very poor condition for educational use," with very few tables or chairs during recess where students can eat lunch instead of having to eat on the ground.
Regarding the prefabricated modules, the complaints indicate that some areas are "incomplete" or have "deficiencies," such as a lack of insulation, which causes water leaks when it rains, or that some panels have come loose during the two weeks the center had been operating at the time the complaints were filed. It should be noted that the episodes of strong winds experienced in recent weeks throughout the municipality and, in general, the Marina Alta region, may have exacerbated the described problems.
The exterior of the school grounds has also been mentioned in the complaints, such as the "full trash cans, unemptied for two weeks." The complaints allege concern that the state of the facilities could cause physical harm, especially to the children who attend the Calpe school. According to the complaints, no child has been reported injured so far as a result of the aforementioned conditions.
The complaints conclude by stating that all of this has been brought to the attention of both the center's management and the city council. Education The residents of Calp have indicated that the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the Valencian Regional Government's Ministry of Education. Regarding communication with the regional body, it is specified that the complainants have followed the proper procedure to express their dissatisfaction directly; however, they have yet to receive a response from the regional administration.
All the content has also been submitted to the Calp City Council through an entry registry, to inform the municipal administration of both "the poor condition of the new Oltá School and the Les Salines High School" and the complaint filed at the Civil Guard station.
Concern about the situation
In line with the content of the complaints, some families of students at CEIP Oltà in Calp have contacted LaMarinaAlta.com to express a "deep unease and concern" about the situation, with many parents believing that the haste of the relocation has "politicized the safety of the children," referring to the elections that will take place in 2027. Supporting the facts described, the parents point out that the facilities of CEIP Oltá already show several defects just one month after its opening, especially on the exterior of the modules.
In this regard, they point to exterior sheet metal ripped off by the wind, installations such as air conditioners that have already fallen, and other damage exacerbated by the storms. "The finish of the installations is not safe; many of the joints between modules are missing, resulting in inadequate insulation," they state. Furthermore, they describe the holes in the concrete supporting the perimeter fence as "dangerous," "because children can easily get their fingers caught in them."
They have also spoken out about the situation inside the IES Les Salines school grounds, where a large quantity of material belonging to the company contracted by the Conselleria is being stored. construction of the prefabricated buildings. The images provided show that there is no secure physical barrier between the area where all the construction materials are stored and the entrance area for the students, and that machinery is also present within the school grounds. In this location, metal shavings, screws, and other uncleaned construction debris can also be seen.
On the other hand, the IES (Secondary School) houses a power generator, which no longer supplies electricity to the school, but does power the CEIP Oltá (Primary School). Some witnesses report seeing the fuel drum and gasoline needed for operation being handled "while the generator was running, with the inherent dangers." They also indicate that the wiring does not appear to be as well protected as it should be. In this regard, some parents have also expressed concern, since "if someone wants to damage the area, which is also surrounded by..." nature "If she's dead, she can easily access the gasoline can and cause an accident."
The location of the schools has also been a source of discontent. "It's situated next to a ravine, in an area where all the rainwater collects and where the dry pine trees can pose a danger on a very windy day. Given the characteristics of the surroundings, getting to the school from Felipe VI Avenue on a rainy day is simply not feasible," they point out.
The City Council's response to parents' complaints
Despite claiming to have spoken directly with officials from the Calp Town Hall and the education department, the parents say they are not satisfied with their responses. Furthermore, they express their frustration with the school's Parents' Association (AMPA), "because they tell us they think the school is in poor condition, but then they say something else entirely."
To provide the City Council's perspective on the issue, the Councilor for Education, Mariola Mulet, has agreed to answer all the questions and concerns raised by parents in this article, including their complaints and observations. Mulet has explained to this publication the current situation at the temporary school and the degree of responsibility the City Council assumes regarding the identified deficiencies.
First, the councilwoman acknowledges that the center is not yet fully completed, a fact she says has been known since the beginning of the relocation. "The center has the occupancy permit, but not the final completion certificate. We are working jointly with the Regional Ministry of Education. There are still things being finalized," she states. In this regard, she emphasizes that the prefabricated modules fall under the jurisdiction of the Regional Ministry of Education, while the City Council is responsible for the most basic daily maintenance, ensuring that anything dangerous within its area of responsibility is removed.
Regarding the possible existence of hazardous elements, the councilwoman maintains that no serious risks have been detected that violate regulations. However, she admits that there may be some "unsafe" elements, which has led to the installation of fencing in certain areas. According to Mulet, "everything is within regulations and with the appropriate measures in place; there is nothing illegal."
The councilwoman explains that the visits to the school grounds are regular and conducted jointly with the regional government. "We go up every week; in fact, we were there with the regional education department on Monday," she notes, adding that the City Council is in daily contact with the management teams of both the CEIP Oltà and the IES Les Salines schools. These inspections include both the interior of the school grounds and the exterior areas, including the parking lot and the material storage areas.
Regarding the exterior damage to the facilities, such as torn-off metal sheets or missing finishing touches, Mulet insists that the center "is not finished," although he reiterates that it has an occupancy permit, an essential requirement for its opening. "It doesn't have a completion certificate, which is issued by the Regional Ministry, because the modules belong to them," he clarifies. He explains that compliance with safety measures has been verified, since "otherwise, the occupancy permit would not have been granted."
Regarding the presence of workers, machinery, and construction materials on school grounds, the councilwoman states that the storage areas are clearly marked and inaccessible to students. "There is material inside the high school, fenced off and kept separate. Students do not have access," she insists. Mulet emphasizes that, despite being operational, the space is still considered a construction site, which necessitates balancing educational activities with the remaining work.
Regarding the presence of screws, sheet metal, metal fragments, or glass, the councilwoman points out that, under normal circumstances, these areas are cleaned daily. However, she admits that recent windstorms may have altered the situation. "If, just these past few days, because of the wind, there are some of these objects inside, it's possible, I'm not denying it," she states, although she insists that "when the children are there, normally there's none of that."
Regarding the electricity supply to CEIP Oltà, Mulet confirms that the school is currently powered by a generator located on the grounds of IES Les Salines. "The IES is connected to Calp's main power grid, while Oltà is currently using the generator," she explains. She details that it is a generator designed for outdoor use and equipped with all the necessary components for safe operation. Regarding the visible presence of the gasoline can and wiring, the councilwoman maintains that "a generator of this type is designed for outdoor use and comes with everything it needs."
One of the points that has generated the most concern among families is the state of the playground, which is mostly paved. Mulet explains that the City Council has prepared the ground according to the instructions of the Regional Ministry of Education, noting that it is a temporary center. He acknowledges, however, that the preschool area is not yet fully ready. "The playground cannot be adapted until the major works at Oltà are completed," he points out. He adds that the play equipment depends on the Regional Ministry and that a naturalization of the surroundings is planned, with grass or other materials "so that it is not so intrusive." According to him, everything has been requested, although the administrative processes are slower than desired.
Regarding the lack of shade, tables, or covered areas to protect children from the sun or rain, the councilwoman assures that these facilities will be replicated at the CEIP Oltà school, following the model of the IES Les Salines secondary school. "The shaded areas with tables that exist at the secondary school will also be installed at the primary school," she states, emphasizing that, although initially the responsibility of the Regional Ministry of Education, the City Council itself has taken on the installation. Regarding the timeline, Mulet estimates that "we will receive many items throughout this month," after completing the necessary measurements and procedures.
Regarding the natural surroundings of the school, located next to ravines and areas with dead pine trees, the councilwoman assures that action is being taken. "The entire municipality is being cleaned up, but the area around the school is being given special attention," she states. She explains that municipal technicians have removed the trees considered most dangerous and are continuing the necessary improvements.
"The move has been agreed upon by all parties involved: the management team, the Regional Ministry of Education, the City Council, and the school boards," he assures. In his opinion, setting up a new school always involves difficulties, but he insists that "if we hadn't seen it as safe, the move wouldn't have gone ahead."
Finally, the councilwoman offered a message of reassurance to families. "Changes are difficult, but everything is for the better," she stated, asking for patience while the facilities are completed gradually. She emphasized that the main objective is educational improvement and the well-being of the students, recalling that the previous school had significant space limitations. "The beginnings are tough, but everything comes in time," she concluded.
The position of the AMPA of the CEIP Oltà de Calp
The president of the Parents' Association (AMPA) at the CEIP Oltà school in Calp, Daniel Cabrera, confirms that the association was aware of both the concerns expressed by some families and the complaints regarding the condition of the temporary classrooms. He explains that the association is constantly monitoring any issues that may arise. However, he adds a significant caveat, assessing the overall positive impact of the school move. According to him, the old school presented an "untenable" situation, while in the new facilities, the students have a more spacious environment. "The children are happy," he says, but he understands the concerns raised by the families.
"We requested that measures be taken to further reinforce the metal sheets and prevent hazards." According to their experience, when a parent reports an issue to the school administration, "action is taken," noting that, usually, "what is reported is addressed quickly."
Regarding student safety in a facility whose construction is not yet complete, Cabrera believes there are sufficient guarantees. "If there are professional people and architects "By signing, they guarantee that the children can be there," he says, adding that the school's management team tells him that the students "are doing well and adapting."
Regarding the maintenance of the exterior areas, such as cleaning, parking, and the removal of construction debris, the president of the Parents' Association explains that, according to the information received, the City Council cannot fully intervene until the Regional Ministry completes the infrastructure. However, he points out that, despite this, "they have tried to make some progress."
Another initial problem encountered with the students at the CEIP (Primary and Secondary School) was the access of school buses to the school grounds. Cabrera recalls that, at first, both the Local Police and the companies The transport authorities deemed it dangerous to drive up to the school entrance, forcing students to walk part of the way. After repeated requests and meetings with the Regional Ministry of Education and the education inspectorate, it was agreed that buses would go directly to the school starting at 08:15 a.m. Throughout this process, the additional effort of the teachers, who arrive earlier to greet the students, is noteworthy.
Regarding potential serious incidents, Cabrera states that there are no reports of any minors being injured by falling debris or construction materials. He does acknowledge occasional leaks, which are being repaired, and explains that the caretaker removes screws or other hazardous objects as soon as they are found.
Finally, the president of the Parents' Association (AMPA) defines the association's official position as focused exclusively on the well-being of the students. "We want the children to be as comfortable as possible," he states, rejecting the notion that the safety of the minors is being played with or politicized. In his opinion, the move was an "imperative" necessity, since the old school had exceeded its capacity and had lost essential common areas.
