First Minister Carwyn Jones joined pupils from two Rhymney Valley primary schools as they marked the start of work on a new ‘super school’ in the area.
Mr Jones was invited to cut the first sod – a ceremony signifying the beginning of construction work by digging a spade into the ground – on the site of the new school to replace Abertysswg and Pontlottyn primary schools.
The £8 million development has been funded by Caerphilly County Borough Council and the Welsh Government through its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, and will provide pupils with a modern facility which is expected to open in January 2018.
Work will be undertaken by contractor Willmott Dixon at the site adjacent Rhymney Comprehensive School.
Mr Jones said: “I am pleased to see construction get underway at the new primary school in the Upper Rhymney Valley. This significant investment will provide pupils with a range of cutting-edge facilities that will boost their school experience. The new state-of-the-art school will provide modern classrooms and facilities to be enjoyed by pupils and their teachers.
“The school’s new integrated children centre will also offer wraparound childcare and after-school provision to help working parents and those looking to return to work.”
Construction will begin on a primary school, a nursery, and an early years unit. The school will benefit from an external grassed area for infants and juniors with play equipment, a gravelled zone including a planting area for a garden club and an amphitheatre for outdoor teaching and events.
Cllr Derek Havard, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said: “The project will see vibrant, modern teaching and learning spaces, both internal and external, to benefit pupils from both primary schools and teaching staff alike.
“This authority has delivered massive investment in new school projects over recent years and this is the latest addition to our proud track record. Today was a very exciting day for the communities of Abertysswg and Pontlottyn and we now look forward to seeing work progress on this ambitious new project over the coming months.”