Primary school's £2m upgrade in improvements bid

The changes will provide Wren Park Primary School with an additional 42 places in the long term

A primary school is set for a £2m expansion as part of a council scheme to improve school buildings.

Derby City Council's latest Schools Capital Programme will prioritise essential improvements including roofing, heating, building fabric and window replacements across 11 nursery, primary and secondary schools in Derby, and the initiative is set to be approved next week.

It includes a £2.2m upgrade at Wren Park Primary School where two classrooms will be replaced with a modern four-classroom building.

Head teacher Alex Buckley said: "This has been an ambition of ours for quite some time and we're delighted with the prospect of it becoming a reality."

The changes will provide the primary school with an additional 42 places in the long term, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

A multi-use games area will also be added to the grounds as part of the expansion.

Derby City Council's cabinet is likely to approve the works for the schools at a meeting on Wednesday

Mr Buckley added: "We're incredibly grateful for the support and commitment shown by Derby City Council in taking this project forward.

"It will be a huge boost to our school and we look forward to the exciting time ahead, working with the council and contractors in ensuring the project delivers the very best resource for our children and future generations attending Wren Park."

Derby City Council's Labour cabinet are likely to approve the works for Wren Park Primary School and other schools at a meeting on Wednesday.

Cabinet papers show 10 other schools across the city are set to benefit from improvement works.

These include Dale Community Primary School and Redwood Primary School getting new gas-fired boilers, and Murray Park School benefitting from improved energy efficiency with replacement rooflights, enhanced insulation and roofing work.

Other schools to benefit include Ashgate Primary School, Lord Street Community Nursery School, Meadow Farm Community Primary School, Mickleover Primary School, Ridgeway Infant School, Roe Farm Primary School and Rosehill Infant and Nursery School.

The majority of the schemes are expected to start over the school summer holiday period.

Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: "We're committed to providing the best possible educational settings for our children and young people.

"This significant investment programme will ensure our schools provide the best environment to allow students and staff to focus on learning and growth while further supporting our climate ambitions.

"The proposed improvements at Wren Park Primary School will significantly enhance the learning environment and enable better classroom organisation."