Child welfare campaigner Sheelagh Cooper is upset that Government is blocking a summer camp for struggling children at Victor Scott School due to painting work.Mrs Cooper, of the Coalition for the Protection of Children, said several children who had fallen behind academically benefited last year from the “very successful” programme.She’s been unable to find an alternative venue for this year’s camp, which was due to begin this week.Government is refusing to budge, saying the painting must take precedence in order for the school to open on time in September.“An anonymous donor is prepared to fund the programme and Government will do nothing at all,” complained Mrs Cooper. “They are saying they are painting the school, therefore the students can’t use it.“We said we only want to use a couple of rooms and we will work with Habitat for Humanity, who have offered to paint that section of the school in August instead.“That would mean the students could still use the school in July but Government will not do that. It’s very upsetting, particularly for the students who would have benefited from the programme.“The school counsellors are giving their time for very little remuneration because they care for the children. To be denied that opportunity just because the building is being repainted is very disappointing.”Mrs Cooper sent e-mails to Minister of Education Jennifer Smith and Permanent Secretary Warren Jones, unsuccessfully begging them to let the programme go ahead at Victor Scott.When The Royal Gazette invited the Ministry to respond to her concerns, Mr Jones explained that the Ministry has been criticised in recent years for its inability to have schools open in time in September.In January 2011, he canvassed the issue with the Ministry of Estates.According to Mr Jones, one of the problems was trying to complete renovations around summer camps and other people using the schools, which also prompted health and safety concerns.“It was agreed between the two Ministries that any school in which work is to take place over the summer, will not be utilised for any summer activity.“This was communicated to our stakeholders, including the Department of Youth and Sport and Community and Culture who annually host summer camps and activities,” said Mr Jones.“It might also be recalled that September 2011 was the first time in recent memory that all schools opened on time.”He said a review of work needed at each school takes place every January.“Out of this exercise, principals are advised of the major works to be carried out in their schools in the upcoming summer.“Schools are also on a four-year rotation for painting of the interior and exterior of the buildings. The Ministry then advises schools and stakeholders about which schools will not be available for summer activity,” he said.“In this case, this process was followed. The Ministry welcomes any programme that assists our children to address their needs.“The Government policy also acknowledges that schools be utilised to their fullest to meet the needs of the community when not in use for educational purposes.“This then means that there is a very small window in which to prepare schools for September.“Additionally, it must be never forgotten that upon completion of summer works, school custodians must have adequate time to carry out heavy cleaning ahead of the return of principals and teachers at the end of August.“The Ministry of Education has never stated that this camp cannot occur in a school. What we have stated, is that for the reasons stated above, the camp cannot occur at Victor Scott Primary School.”Mrs Cooper told The Royal Gazette she has checked with other schools in the area, and none are available.While she has “not given up” on hopes of using Victor Scott, she would also welcome offers from anyone with a suitable venue available in the same area.The Coalition for the Protection of Children can be reached on 295-1150.