New school celebrates 'magical' first month open

One pupil told the BBC they "love everything" about the new Chapel Hill Primary School

The head teacher of a new primary school said the first month of teaching pupils had been "magic".

Chapel Hill Primary School and Nursery opened in Basildon, Essex, in September after a five-year development that cost £10m.

It was built as a sister school to the oversubscribed Lee Chapel Primary, offering space for up to 476 pupils.

"It won’t be long, and we’ll be expanding this one, I would imagine, because the demand is certainly there," said head teacher Sue Jackson.

And she added: "We are a team of staff who are working with a team of parents who are aspirational for their children, and it’s magic."

The two-storey building, located on the Dry Street development in Nethermayne, was constructed with a special educational needs (Send) therapy room.

Essex County Council said it was one of three new primary schools opening in the county this term.

Head teacher Sue Jackson praised parents for having lofty ambitions for their children

Mrs Jackson, who was at Lee Chapel for 25 years, said she wanted the school to have its own identity.

"This community has just embraced us because they’ve been waiting," she said.

"There’s been a hole for five years of where a school should’ve been, and now they’ve got their own community school, we just feel hugged by them."

Pressure had increased at Lee Chapel in recent years due to surging demand, leading the school to open temporary "bulge" classrooms.

Nursery manager Claire Good said many parents want to send their children to the pre-school

Claire Good, manager of the new school's integrated nursery, said that same demand was being seen at pre-school level.

"We could’ve built the nursery twice over with how many parents want their children to come here, which is just amazing to hear," she said.

"We just want to serve the parents and the children of the community, so that’s what we’re here to do."

The new school had also proved a hit with its pupils since opening its doors last month.

One youngster, Ellis, said: "I love the teachers. I love the equipment. I just love everything.

"Ever since I stepped into this school, I felt welcome."

Fellow pupil Sophia added: "I like our head teacher. I like all the teachers; they're very kind."