Year 5 and 6 pupils at Claydon School will be taking their SATs in a brand-new classroom block this year, thanks to the work of former pupils.
Ipswich-based construction company SEH French worked alongside design and property consultants, Concertus to refurbish and remodel existing areas of the school building and build a brand-new classroom block to create an extra 105 places for pupils in the region.d a hall for the older pupils.
SEH French’s director Simon Girling, the contracts manager Simon Hubert and site manager Steve Sharpe are all former pupils at the school, so this made it an extra special project for the team.
Simon Hubert said: “It was great to return to my old primary school to manage such an important project.
“New houses in the area means that the demand for places at the school has increased. The creation of five new classrooms and additional facilities aims to fulfil that demand and will be a huge benefit to the village.”
The existing school building has also undergone a transformation. A classroom was converted into a staff room and the existing offices and school reception were remodeled and refurbished.
The car park has been extended and an additional car park has been created at the Recreation Ground allowing parents easier access to the school site through a new gate on to the school field, this simplifies drop off and pick up for parents.
Adelina Bran, architectural designer at Concertus Design and Property Consultants Ltd said: “The solution presented in the new block is designed to enhance the teaching and educational value of the school site, while minimising impacts on neighbouring properties, Claydon High School and the setting of the site.
“The proposed extension to the school is to take the form of a standalone building, which allows for a feeling of maturity and greater responsibility as children progress through their educational lives.”
A spokesperson at Claydon Primary School said: “Our school community is delighted with the new build, as well as the work to the existing building.
“It has provided our Year 5 and 6 pupils with state-of-the-art facilities to make their learning feel even more special.
“Due to the design and aesthetics they find the environment extremely calming, enabling them to fully focus on their learning. All pupils are also extremely excited to use the new art studio.
“A huge thank you to all involved in the project, something which our community will benefit from greatly especially the pupils of Claydon Primary School.”
The new classroom block was officially opened during a completion ceremony on Wednesday 16 October 2019.