School upgrades unveiled as pupils return

Pupils returning to school this week will find new facilities, improved access and enhanced security after a summer programme of investment, a council has said.

Across West Berkshire, work was carried out at a number of schools and nurseries while classrooms were empty for the holidays.

More than £9m has been invested in projects ranging from a new early years facility and replacement classrooms, to SEND provision and accessibility improvements.

The district council said the investment would help provide children and young people with safe, modern and inclusive places to learn.

Among the largest schemes was a new £828,000 early years facility at Thatcham Park Early Years.

The building, completed in July, will provide dedicated accommodation for 45 children.

At Falkland Primary School, work continued on a £4.6m project to replace eight modular classrooms with a modern two-storey building. The facility is due to open to pupils in October.

Brookfields Special School received £690,000 of accessibility improvements, and preparatory work was carried out ahead of a planned £1.6m expansion in 2027.

Victoria Park Nursery had new safeguarding and security fencing installed at a cost of £38,245.

Specialist early years SEND accommodation for charity Dingley's Promise was completed at Spurcroft Primary School following a £150,000 investment.

Finishing touches were also made to the school's netball courts during the summer break.

Work to replace the school hall floor at Burghfield St Mary's School is nearing completion after an investment of £115,607.

A feasibility study is also under way at Westwood Farm Infant and Junior School to expand Severe Learning Difficulties Provision to Key Stage 2 pupils.

The project, currently budgeted at £1.2m, aims to create a specialist and seamless learning environment from Early Years to Year 6.