PUPILS at Haydonleigh Primary School gave their new £3 million school extension a big ‘thumbs-up’ this week.

The youngsters joined Beard project manager Jamie Robert-son for a final inspection of the new two-storey building before it is officially handed over.

Local construction company Beard has been working with Swindon Council and Hay-donleigh School to deliver the much-needed classroom facilities.

Since the school was built in 1995, pupil numbers have doubled and the school had outgrown its facilities.

The new facilities will enable Haydonleigh to provide an extra 140 places increasing the school capacity to 630 pupils.

Beard has refurbished and extended the original school building’s administrative offices, ICT facilities and hall and added a multi-function room with stage which links the new complex.

The new building provides 15 classrooms, a staff room and two multi-use creative spaces.

Beard has also provided a new playground, a much-needed space to accommodate the additional pupils.

The children can now enjoy a soft play area and exercise on the newly provided adventure trail.

“We are thrilled with the facilities that the new building provides us with,” said headteacher Frances Billinge.

“We have worked in cramped conditions with a lack of space outside of the four walls of each classroom for many years.

“Our journey from one form to three forms of entry is now complete with a building that enables us to deliver the high quality provision that every child deserves.

“The theatre, additional and enlarged halls are fantastic multi use spaces that allow us to be creative with their use.

“The new classrooms are spacious and conducive to the needs of each class – be it foundation stage aged four to year six aged 11.”

The building has also been given the seal of approval from the children who will be using it.

Eight-year-old Year 4 pupil Molly, who was part of the special school building inspection team, said: “I like the upstairs because it’s nice to have more space.”

Jamie Robertson, said: “This is a much-needed facility which will provide Haydonleigh pupils with the very best learning environment for many years to come.”