The headteacher and Essex education chief have said work is progressing well on a new special needs school in north Essex.
Construction of a new £9.9million building for Market Field school, in Elmstead Market, is nearing completion.
The entire school, rated outstanding by Ofsted, relocated temporarily to the empty Alderman Blaxill School site in Colchester this academic year while its old building was demolished.
Essex County Council funded the work which will see improved facilities and an increased capacity to cope with growing demand – replacing previous temporary extensions which were no longer fit-for-purpose.
Yesterday headteacher Gary Smith and Ray Gooding, county councillor for education, inspected the work so far.
Mr Gooding said: “It was very exciting to be able to see for myself just how much work has already been completed at Market Field School which is very much loved by its pupils, their parents and the local community.
“It will be fantastic when the new buildings open in September and they promise to provide a wonderful learning environment for the children and young people.”
Mr Smith added: “I work with the most fantastic kids there are, it’s like living a dream.
“They deserve the very best start in life and it is tremendous that Essex County Council has built us this fabulous facility.
“There would be so many people to thank but the people that matter know how I feel.”
The new buildings are set to open in September and will cater for 200 children aged from four to 16 – including 60 places for those with autism.
Romford-based contractor Lakehouse PLC is doing the work.
The main structure is watertight and nearing completion, with the internal fit out midway through. Works to the large external parking and playground spaces have also started recently.
As well as the building £25,000 has been allocated to furnish the additional classrooms, though the school will re-use the majority of its equipment.
An extra teacher and three learning support assistants have been employed to meet the increase in capacity.
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