New Caldicot school opening delayed (From Free Press Series)

New Caldicot school opening delayed

1:11pm Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News

CALDICOT pupils will not be able to move into their new £7 million school until ten weeks into the new term.

Monmouthshire council has confirmed the youngsters will move into Dewstow Primary on November 12, not from the start of term as previously stated.

The council’s website says the new school is due to open in September after West End Infants closes on August 31.

A spokesman for the local authority however denied there had been a delay in the project, which will provide a 21st century learning space for pupils of West End Infants School and the former Green Lane Junior School.

A spokesman said: "The school came into existence on September 3 - therefore opening then. As such, the school has opened. But the pupil cohort  is currently being taught at a different location - the West End school site - and will not move into the new building until November 12."

All pupils, who were based at West End before the summer break, will return there and the setup will be called Dewstow Primary from the start of term on September 3.

However, a local councillor, who has enjoyed a tour of the new school, said the project had “ran over a little bit.”

Councillor Dave Evans, of West End ward, said the weather conditions have not helped the builders and it is an “achievement” the project has not been delayed further.

“It has ran over a little bit but I don’t think it’s of any concern at all. For the builders to work howthey have it has been a great achievement.

“It’s going to be the best school in Caldicot.”

The new building will shortly be handed over to Monmouthshire council so the interior, including the IT and furniture, can be sorted out.

Construction work was started by Wilmott Dixon there last August and the contractors have involved youngsters in the project.

Headteacher Gill Bray saw 180 pupils attend the burial of a time capsule on site earlier this year and the youngsters had a tour around it in May.

West End and Green Lane are the final schools being merged in Monmouthshire’s education strategy review from 2002.