Construction work on a £13million primary school and nursery in Spennymoor is set to get underway.
The new Springmoor Grange School, on the Durham Road site of the former Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive School, will replace the existing Ox Close Primary and Oxclose Nursery Schools.
It will accommodate 630 primary school pupils alongside a 52-place nursery unit for children aged two and older.
The project is being designed and funded by Durham County Council and will ensure school provision in Spennymoor keeps pace with growing demand for places.
Councillor Ted Henderson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We’re delighted to be investing in this new school for Spennymoor.
“This is an investment in giving children the best start in life and providing modern and inspirational facilities fit for a 21st century education.
“It’s a much-needed investment too, as the existing buildings are in a poor condition and aren’t big enough to accommodate the growth in demand for places in the area.
“There are so many benefits to bringing the school and nursery together on one site. For a start, it will mean staff can work together as a team far more easily.
“It’ll also make for a smoother transition for the children, with continuity of learning in a familiar learning environment.
“All of these things will make for a seamless transition from early years to primary education.”
The two schools already work closely together after forming the Ox Close Federation in November 2018.
Anna Bowden, the federation’s deputy executive headteacher, said: “The children and staff are very excited that the build of Springmoor Grange is set to start. We have worked very closely with Durham County Council to ensure that the new build is the best it can possibly be for the children of Spennymoor not only now, but for many years to come.
“The new school will enhance our current provision whilst also maintaining our already high standards, strong community ethos and wraparound care. We look forward to working closely with Esh to watch the new school grow over the forthcoming months.”
Pam Sneath, the federation’s chair of governors, added: “Both Oxclose Nursery and Ox Close Primary have been very popular choices within the town and we are very proud of the excellent starts in life that we have provided for so many young children.
“However, most years we have been oversubscribed and sadly had to turn away applications. We are delighted that Springmoor Grange School, on the new site, will mean that more children will be able to come to us and benefit from the fantastic facilities and embedded nurturing culture allowing them to prosper from two to 11 years.”
The new Springmoor Grange School is being built by County Durham-based Esh Construction, with preparatory works now underway ahead of construction.
Chris Hale, pre-construction director at Esh Construction, said: “As a local contractor, we are delighted to be working in partnership with Durham County Council on another new school project which will provide a modern and inspirational place to learn.
“We are committed to creating a legacy through the scheme and will endeavour to maximise the social and economic value for the local community by employing a local workforce, procuring a local supply chain and engaging within the local community.”
The new school will open to pupils in September 2024.
PIC CAPTION: Councillor Ted Henderson cuts the turf ahead of the construction of the new Springmoor Grange School in Spennymoor, joined Chris Hale from Esh Construction, Ox Close Federation’s deputy executive headteacher Anna Bowden (right) and chair of governors, Pam Sneath (left) and members of Ox Close Primary School’s children’s leadership team.
