How north Derbyshire school will be transformed through major rebuild plans

Heath Primary School will undergo an extension to provide more space for teaching, including a revamped main building and a new school hall.

The existing school has been exceeding its capacity for some time – with 330 pupils enrolled as of April 1, 2020 in buildings intended for 241.

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Headteacher Jonathan Lynch said he was ‘thrilled’ the school would be getting some ‘much-needed’ improvement works.

"To think at the end of this project we will have a fabulous refurbished main building, keeping the character and feel of the ‘old 1908’ school but also a brand-new school hall, kitchen and two new classrooms.

"It will give us extra, purposeful space for learning and I know the children will be really excited when the work is completed and have a school building that they deserve and can be as proud of, as they are of the school community.”

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Funding for the refurbishment work has been provided by Department for Education (DfE), and Derbyshire County Council has contributed towards the new extension.

Detailed plans of how the work will be carried out has now been agreed by planning chiefs at North East Derbyshire District Council.

Planning documents said the existing school is ‘in need of substantial refurbishment and extension in order to provide the required level of teaching space and pupil facilities’.

Improvements will include the removal of an outbuilding, a replacement outdoor play area, new security gates and fencing, demolition of outbuildings, refurbishment of the school roof, windows and interior.

There will also be an alteration to vehicle access via Slack Lane and resurfacing of the existing car park. A temporary car park and temporary accommodation will be provided while work is carried out.

Mr Lynch added: “The school has worked closely with the DfE and ISG Construction to complete the design, and the school is excited to see this building work start in the new year.”

The school has academy status, is managed by Embark Multi Academy Trust and has a ‘Good’ assessment of learning by Ofsted.

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