Council leader visits site of new temporary learning village for St Peter’s Junior School

Nottinghamshire County Council Leader, Councillor Mick Barton, and Councillor James Walker-Gurley, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Assets, visited to see for themselves how work is on course to be one of the fastest-ever turnarounds for a project of this type in the country.

Work started in the new year and is continuing seven days a week.

Despite the recent wet weather, it is on track to be ready by the start of the Easter holidays so that pupils can move into their temporary new home in the new term.

Following the discovery of structural issues as part of routine work in the main building, the school has been permanently closed since December.

The new learning village is being built next to the current building and will accommodate all 350 pupils.

Work is being overseen and delivered on behalf of the council by Arc Partnership, the council’s design and construction partner.

The long-term plan is to demolish the current building and rebuild the school.

Council Leader, Councillor Mick Barton, said: “I was absolutely delighted to visit St Peter’s to see how the temporary learning village is taking shape and I am sure the whole school family and community are looking forward to being together again as one.

“We have prioritised resources to enable this incredibly fast turnaround but, nonetheless, I am absolutely amazed by the efforts of everyone involved to have made this possible.

“It’s vitally important that our children can study and learn in a safe environment and I would like to thank the project team, the school and the Ruddington community for all pulling together in such a short period of time.

“I look forward to returning to St Peter’s in the near future to meet the staff and pupils in their new home.”

Councillor James Walker-Gurley added: “St Peter’s is shaping up to be a real success story. 

“By April, the school and headteachers will have a brand‑new temporary learning village they’re genuinely pleased with, and the whole response will stand out as the fastest turnaround in the country - just 12 weeks from start to finish.

“The team overcame the early water challenges on site with pumps in place to keep everything on schedule. 

“A new bridge capable of taking heavy deliveries was installed in just two weeks, helping the build progress without delay.

“The safety of our children is paramount. No risks were taken, and disruption to the school has been kept to a minimum with pick up and drop off continued as normal from the school.

“It will be a clear example of what can be achieved when everyone works together at pace.”

Headteacher Michael Bradley paid tribute to everyone involved in ‘pulling together’ to drive forward the project in such a short period of time.

He said: “It is extraordinary to think that just three months ago, our pupils were still learning in our old school building. In that short time, the transformation of our new learning village has been nothing short of remarkable.

“Even with rain falling almost every day, progress has continued at pace — a testament to the dedication and determination of all involved.

“What has impressed me even more, however, has been the response of our entire school community — pupils, parents and staff alike. 

“These four buildings are far more than steel and structure. They tell a story — a story of a community that has refused to be defined by setback. A story of a community, who in its most challenging hour, chose positivity, grit and togetherness.

“This project shows what is possible when everyone pulls together in the same direction. With each passing day, we move one step closer to welcoming the St Peter’s community back home.

“We cannot wait to be reunited together on one site, stronger than ever.”

Wayne Bexton, Director of Economy, Environment and Assets at the County Council, said: “The response from colleagues and the community to the closure of St Peter's has been remarkable.

“We are now on the verge of returning to a new purpose-built learning village just 12 weeks since the school was closed.

“This will be the quickest delivery of a project of this type ever in the UK and will no doubt be a fantastic interim home for St Peter’s.

“My thanks go to all the project team, schools that have helped, teachers, parents and carers. An incredible team Nottinghamshire approach that has turned a challenging situation into something positive”

More than 350 St Peter’s pupils continue to have a school place at other local schools or facilities.

These include James Peacock Infant School, Cotgrave Candleby Lane School, Jesse Gray Primary School and Millside Spencer Academy.

A school bus service is available for pupils travelling outside of Ruddington.