In the digger bucket are (l-r) Nikhil Reddy, Jamie Millard, Radujah Islam, Monika Sowinska and Benjamin Gleaves. At the back (l-r) are GSS's Jonathan Hunter, Vice Chair of Governors Graham Spencer and Deejak's Jim Higgs.

Work has started on a brand new teaching block at Victoria Primary School in Finedon Road, Wellingborough. Together with other works which are taking place over the next 15 months, this will enable the Key Stage 2 pupils, who are currently on another site in Stanley Road, to be educated together in one building.

The £1.8 million project has been designed for Northamptonshire County Council by GSS Architecture.

GSS team leader Jonathan Hunter explained, "This will provide significant additional accommodation on the Finedon Road site for Key Stage 2 pupils, and will enable the school to become a one and a half entry form primary school."

"Initially, we are building a two storey extension with six classrooms, one group room and toilets," said Jonathan. "There'll also be a single storey extension for a new hall with a studio and storage facilities. A second phase will then see internal alterations to the existing building to provide a new library, a group room, a kitchen, staff facilities, medical inspection facilities and a community room. There'll also be full facilities for the disabled."

External works will include a multi-use games area with a synthetic surface, additional car parking and general improvements to the site, which is shared by Rowan Gate Special School and by Highfields Nursery. The greatest possible care will be taken by the main contractors, Rushden-based Deejak, to ensure the safety of all children and staff throughout the project.

Deputy Head Teacher Dawn Davis said, "The children are very excited about the building work, and they specially asked if the builders could let them have a close look at a JCB digger, which is being used to help dig the foundations."