Classrooms were several inches deep in flood water

Clean-up work has been carried out over the last month, but "extensive" work is needed at the schools in Barry.

Temporary classrooms have been ordered but not in time for the first day back after the summer break on 3 September.

But Vale of Glamorgan Council said the portable classrooms would be ready by the second week of term.

The authority said that the schools affected - St Richard Gwyn High, Oak Field, Gwaun Y Nant and part of Bryn Hafren Comprehensive - would all be given portable classrooms as a temporary solution.

It does appear that, in the short term, there will be some problems for some parents and their children Bryan Jeffreys

But those classrooms will not be available until 10 September, a week after the new school term starts.

A meeting is scheduled next week to decide when pupils will be able to return to school.

Director of learning and development Bryan Jeffreys said: "This is a major challenge but, with the support of our schools and the efforts of council staff, we will be able to get the four schools back up and running sooner rather than later.

"It does appear that, in the short term, there will be some problems for some parents and their children but I can assure everyone that we are using our best endeavours to open the schools for the autumn term."

He said the levels of repair work needed at the four schools meant it could be the end of the year before pupils are allowed back into the main buildings.

Floods struck St Richard Gwyn High School on the last day of term

The council said all four schools needed "extensive" repair work, including the replacement of internal walls and floors.

"These works could only start after the removal of contaminated materials and the completion of other building work necessary to speed the drying process," said a spokesman.

"Specialist contractors have been engaged to assist in this task since the day of the flood, and the council is currently working with all four schools to prepare for the new term," he added.