LODDON Primary School in Earley is top of the class after a £3.8m makeover by Wokingham Borough Council.
The work, which started in June 2016 and ended last December, includes three new classrooms, an ICT area, a multi-use games area, car park improvements, refurbishment of existing classrooms, an extension housing a new hall and entrance, staff facilities, and a new soft-play area and canopy.
The project was completed in phases allowing the school to remain open throughout the construction works.
Staff and pupils marked the event with a special ceremony where Year 3 pupils sang Build It High before a plaque was unveiled by site manager Neil Harding and the eldest year 6 pupil.
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr John Kaiser said: “By investing in these primary school expansion schemes we’re able to provide additional school places and improve existing facilities for Wokingham Borough families.
“We were able to provide additional places at Loddon Primary School thanks to partnership working with the whole school community.
“Loddon remained opened during construction and I am very grateful for the school’s cooperation and patience during this time.
“I hope this expansion will really enhance the children’s learning and the school environment as a whole for the benefit of the school community.”
Headteacher Sarah Phillips added: “Today is a celebration of everyone’s hard work and determination to offer local school places for the children of the community of Earley.
“We would like to thank our partners at Wokingham Borough Council, Frankhams and Francis Construction for their vision and commitment in creating our beautiful new hall and additional learning spaces.
“At Loddon Primary we are proud of our Values-Based ethos and community spirit and through our expanded facilities we look forward to welcoming many more of you into our Loddon family.’’
Other existing borough council schools have also been expanded: Beechwood and Highwood Primary, both in Woodley, as part of an £8.6million investment from the borough council. And Addington Primary is also planned for expansion after the Executive approved plans last Thursday evening.
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