Pupils get first chance to try new classrooms

The new infant building at Monkwood Primary School is now open to pupils and replaces the previous infant school building which was separate from the junior school.

The two schools were amalgamated into one school in September 2008 and the new building now forms an extension to the existing junior school bringing all pupils 'under one roof.'

Housing four classrooms all on one level, the new infants building also includes a new main entrance and staff accommodation for the whole school.

Headteacher Liz Gee said: "To see the children's faces the first time they saw their new building was a delight. We are so lucky to have this purpose built extension which will serve the children of Monkwood for generations. It is good that all Key Stages are now together under one roof."

The new building aims to be almost carbon neutral and includes a central atrium area which creates a naturally ventilated area for the school.

The work on the school was prioritised by the Council as part of the Primary Capital Programme of school improvements due to the need to replace the previous building following the amalgamation of the two neighbouring schools.

Cabinet Member for Safeguarding and Developing Learning Opportunities for Children, Councillor Paul Lakin, said: "It is great to see pupils moving into this new building and enjoying the benefits that so many other children and young people have experienced through school building projects across the borough.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure that, despite the pressures faced in the public sector, we provide learning environments that bring out the best both in our young people and the staff who work so hard to support them."

The building, which cost £2.4 million was designed by the Council's in-house Architects Department and was built by Henry Boot Construction.

In addition a new sports pitch is being created on the former infant school's playing field.

The new school building will be officially opening at a ceremony later in the school year.