LONG-awaited plans have been submitted to give St Thomas’ Primary School a ‘spectacular’ revamp.

The application for the school, on Parkgate Road, will see the reception area and year one facilities improved as part of its ‘vision for the future’ development.

Head teacher Diana Rainey, said: “This is an exciting change to the school which will have a spectacular impact on our internal environment and will provide superb facilities for the teaching, learning and well being of the children.”

Money secured from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, would be injected into: * A new, large year one classroom with a movable wall – to allow for extended activities into a wet area * An upgraded flushing system for the toilets * School signs will be finished * The reception classroom, which will be connected to the nursery to form a foundation stage unit - it will include a large creative area for learning through activities and play, a formal learning room, a group room, new toilets and a wet area.

Mrs Rainey said: “Our new unit will provide a superb, innovative environment specifically designed to support children’s learning in line with all current educational initiatives.”

She said an early foundation stage for youngsters up to the age of five will be less daunting for four-year-olds starting school full time because they will be in the same environment with familiar staff and shared curriculum resources.

Work will involve a single-storey rear extension and construction of a flat roof which would link the main building to the nursery block covering an area of 56sqm.

It is hoped that the pupils will be able to move into the areas after the summer holidays if plans are approved.

The school wants to receive further funding to carry out more developments to complete its ‘vision’.