New £6 million Gayton Church of England Primary Academy opens to staff and children at start of term
It has been a decade in the making, but today, pupils and staff have finally spent their first day at a brand new multi-million pound school.
It was an exciting day for all as Gayton Church of England Primary Academy welcomed its first cohort into the new £6m building.
Executive head teacher Rachael Greenhalgh greeted each pupil with a warm welcome as they were delivered to the kiss-and-drop-off point at the entrance by their parents.
After a decade of planning, the new site will now cater for up to 56 nursery places and 210 places for primary school children.
Meanwhile, a roundabout at the entrance, dubbed the 'kiss-and-drop-off point', helps reduce congestion near the residential area.
It is part of the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT), and Gayton Goslings Daycare Centre was commissioned and funded by Norfolk County Council.
Mrs Greenhalgh said: "As a school we are absolutely delighted that we are finally here and ready to open.
"Our fantastic staff team are all very excited about the opportunities this new building will create for our thriving school community.
"We have worked on this project for ten years and we are confident it will be worth the wait.
"It is great to see this kind of investment in a rural school in this part of West Norfolk."
Construction company Kier built the new site between Springvale and Vicarage Drive in Gayton with much thought given to energy efficiency capabilities, including an air source heat pump, solar glass, efficient lighting system and insulation which is monitored to control room temperatures.
DNEAT is also looking to install solar panels on the south-facing roof of the primary school.
A central library space is the heart of the premises where an array of books can now be used and outside is a multi-use games area.
The Gayton Gosling nursery building has a community and children’s room, a sleeping bay and lots of space with outdoor play areas.
Oliver Burwood, chief executive officer at DNEAT, said: "Everyone at DNEAT is very excited about this new nursery and primary school being built in Gayton.
"This will be an excellent resource for the children in the village and reflects the high aspirations we have for all children within the Trust.
"It is a culmination of nearly a decade of hard work from the head teacher to get this underway and we thank all those involved in what is going to be a fantastic new school."
The works began in November 2020 and the first foundations laid in July 2021.
Mrs Greenhalgh told the Lynn News: "We want to make the most of the space we have been given and create an environment of community for the children who deserve a beautiful school.
"Our assembly will focus on our key values, with collective worship, and create a safe space for the children."
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