A HEADTEACHER has said her school is excited to get to work building four new classrooms as more information has been shared on the project.

Richard de Clare Community Academy in Halstead will add the new learning space as part of a new-build on site.

Plans were granted by Braintree Council’s planning bosses at the end of last month.

The school was provided Section 106 money by Essex County Council to replace some existing demountable classrooms with a new purpose-built building with outdoor learning space.

The school says the building will “enhance the teaching for children in Key Stage One” so staff are able to provide a classroom base with a “modern construction”.

It will replace the existing “dilapidated buildings which had reached the end of their lifespan”.

Richard de Clare Community Academy has worked closely with the Bridge Academy Trust and Barker Associates to secure the funding for the works and develop plans which will improve the learning experience of pupils at the school.

Following a tender exercise, Abacus Build (UK) Ltd has been selected as the contractor to construct the new building.

The building will comprise four classrooms with new toilet provisions specifically for Key Stage One students. Works are expected to run until early 2024.

Speaking to the Gazette, headteacher Lucinda Bellett was full of excitement to get the project underway.

She said: “It is such an exciting development for the school which has had a number of demountable buildings in use as classrooms for a number of years.

“The new-build will house four classes in fresh, modern surroundings, which will enable us to create a far more welcoming and positive learning environment for some of our youngest children.

“The outdoor space which will be available for each of the four new classrooms, designed to be used in all weathers, is without a doubt one of the most exciting features of the design.

“This will enable us to enhance provision and provide additional learning opportunities once the project is complete.”