Building works have begun on the long-awaited permanent site for the Clearwater Church of England Primary Academy this week.
The 67 children on roll at Clearwater are currently attending school in a unit on the Olympus Park Business Park in Quedgeley. They are incredibly excited about the plans for their new school building.
Headteacher Kate Moss said: “We’re delighted that building work is starting on our new building. The children are very engaged with the local community in the business park and went carol singing to neighbouring businesses and care homes, but of course, we are keen to move onto our permanent site. Having a building of our own will give the families a stronger sense of stability and security. The bespoke facilities will allow us to continue to provide education of the highest standard as our school grows.”
The children are very excited about their new school. Current reception student Kaira-mai said, “I’m so excited about my new school because it’s going to be next to my house and then I can ride my scooter.”
Bella in year 2 said, “I’m excited because I feel like it’s going to be really good compared to our old building. I’m excited because there will be lots of space to play in. We won’t need to move school ever again! I can’t wait to learn in it, and we’ll have so much more space compared to the other place.”
The plans for the permanent school site have been amended to ensure that the concerns of the local community were taken into consideration. The most recent changes include the installation of an acoustic fence along one of the boundaries of the school and the MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area) is now in a more central location on the school site.
Local residents were concerned about the increased levels of traffic to the site, so additional traffic surveys have been done and they have informed the size of the car park and drop off areas.
Rachel Howie, CEO of the Diocese of Gloucester Academies Trust (DGAT) said, “This is a really important and exciting day for the children, staff, parents, and governors at Clearwater CofE Primary school as they see the very beginnings of their permanent school building. As a Trust, we are pleased to have opened this new and much-needed school and look forward to it becoming a valued part of the local community when it moves from its temporary site in Olympus Park to the site at Clearwater Drive.”
The Bishop of Tewkesbury, the Rt Revd Robert Springett said, “This is a very exciting day – the new Clearwater School is a sign of our commitment to serving this community and all its children and families rooted in Christian values serving the common good. This new school is a sign in uncertain times of our hope for, and confidence, in the future. It’s a very exciting day!”
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why are there no updates as to how the building work is coming along, together with the flooding situation