Published at 09:07, Friday, 05 February 2010

Brampton's multi-million pound new primary school is on track to be completed in a matter of months.

Head Geof Walker in front of the extension

• Video: First look inside the school

Despite the recent cold snap builders have continued construction work.

The finishing touches are being added to the new nursery which will be the first phase to be completed.

It is hoped the school will be ready to open fully at the start of the next academic year in September.

The Cumberland News was given a first look at the new school, dubbed “an amazing asset for the town” by headteacher Geof Walker.

Brampton Primary School brings together pupils from the town’s junior and infant schools. The two sets of pupils are continuing to be taught on different sites until the new build is complete.

When finished Brampton Primary School, housed in a revamp and extension of the old junior school building in Sawmill Lane, will eventually have a combined roll of 330.

The new build includes three new classrooms, three new play areas, new admin rooms and staff room; a new hall and a new nursery with its own outdoor play area. Under-floor heating is being included throughout.

Most of the construction work is well underway with pupils and staff excited about their new school.

The nursery, which has a capacity for over 30 children, is expected to be full by the time intake starts in September.

Mr Walker said: “We are hoping that the new school will be open for the new academic year. This depends a lot on the weather and other factors, but we are hoping.”

Plans for a new £2.4m primary school for Brampton where given the go-ahead in October 2008. Building work to extend the old junior school by 60 per cent and renovate the existing structure started soon after.

Mr Walker admitted that the project was an ambitious one but said the benefits will be felt by local children for years to come.

“I will be unbelievably proud when it is all finished. This will be a fantastic asset for the town and the children who live here,” he said.

Teachers at the school have been involved in the planning process to ensure that all the new facilities are best placed to meet their needs.

Safety measures have also been stepped up with a camera system installed for the school and nursery. Mr Walker explained: “When someone presses the buzzer to get into the building, I or other members of staff will be able to see them. This means that we don’t let in people we don’t know.”

Mr Walker added that although there have never been any problems with security at the school this new system should ensure that children are kept safe.

As yet there has been no decision on the future of the old infant and nursery school, a Victorian school building on Moat Street.

Mr Walker added: “It will be with some sadness that we leave the old Victorian building for good. But it has done its bit.”

He said: “As yet there are no definite plans for the old building.”

Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk