Image demonstrating The keys to a new door for education in Morpeth

The keys to a new door for education in Morpeth

The new Morpeth First School has moved a step closer to officially opening its doors - as the building’s keys are handed over to the head teacher.

Cllr Wayne Daley and other members of the council’s decision-making cabinet visited the new building this week  to view progress and to hand the keys to headteacher, Elaine Reay.

The school building is currently being fitted out with new furniture and equipment, whilst outside play areas, sports fields, paving and car parking areas are being completed.

The school is due to open its doors to pupils on Wednesday 4th September.

Councillors were extremely impressed with the design and layout of the building, which houses a nursery and reception; a library; classrooms for children from years one to four; ancillary rooms for one to one and teaching of smaller groups; and a multi-use sports, performance, dining and community hall.

Outside, there are dedicated play and sports areas with stimulating play equipment, an all-weather multi-use games area and a grass playing pitch. On the first floor, there is also an enclosed outdoor learning area on the flat roof.

On handing over the keys to Miss Reay, Cllr Wayne Daley, deputy-leader and cabinet member for children’s services at Northumberland County Council, said:  “The council is committed to delivering top class educational environments for young people across Northumberland. 
 
“We are delighted that this £6.6m investment in Morpeth First School has created such fantastic new and innovative teaching and learning facilities.

“This new school is a great replacement for the outdated Goosehill school buildings, and also means that, for the first time in its history, the children will have their own playing fields.”

Elaine Reay headteacher at Morpeth First School said:  “'The facilities in the new school are fantastic and will offer our wonderful children wider curriculum opportunities that are fit for the 21st century. 

“We are delighted with the outdoor spaces to extend our sporting provision, especially the MUGA. These are areas that a 108 year old building was just unable to provide. 

“The indoor spaces are wonderful too, with light spacious classrooms, a dedicated studio for music, dance and drama, a practical room for DT, art and cookery and plenty of break out spaces enabling us to maintain our high standards. 

“We are very grateful to Northumberland County Council for funding this fabulous provision.”

The development has been built by BAM Construction on the site of the former fire station at Loansdean, opposite County Hall.
 
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