Norfolk children start the year in brand new school building

Edward Robinson, five, in Butterfly class, enjoys a milk drink at the new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

On Monday, youngsters in the market town moved out of what was formerly Attleborough Infant School and opened a new chapter in the purpose-built Rosecroft Primary, on London Road.

Their old school was built in the 1870s and, despite additions in the 1950s and 1980s, was past its prime.

Children play at break time at the new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Headteacher Lucy Wayman said while it was a 'beautiful, quirky old building', it was no longer fit for purpose.

She said an old toilet block in the playground meant, at times, some children had to go outside to use the toilet.

The new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'Parts of the building had no damp proofing, the floor caved in one or two places and over the holidays in the bad storm one of the flat roofs gave way,' she said.

And with the town set to welcome thousands of new homes over the coming years, Norfolk County Council decided it would be best for the former infant school to become one of two all-through primaries for the town and pushed the project forward.

Head, Lucy Wayman, at the new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Now, four days into life at their new home, Mrs Wayman said everyone loved the new building - though it had taken hard work to make it a reality.

'We moved 900 crates to get here,' she said. 'We worked through most of the Christmas break to get furniture in and make sure it was ready.

The new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough is a slipper school, so children wear slippers or indoor shoes inside. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

'The pupils love it - one boy said he wished he could start reception again so he had longer here.

'When I was asked at the planning stages what I wanted in the school, I said doors, windows and a roof - I've got that and so much more.'

Reception children in their classroom at the new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

The new building includes 'bright and airy' classrooms, modern tech facilities, underfloor heating and sports and dining halls.

Rosecroft is also a so-called slipper school - children swap shoes for slippers before lessons, which, research says, can aid learning.

Year one Squirrel class at the new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Rosecroft is part of a £162m county council school building programme across Norfolk, which has seen reorganisations and new sites built to cope with the growing number of school places needed over the coming years.

It will initially have capacity for 420 pupils, which will increase gradually to 630.

Mila Wheatley, five, at the sink and drink station in her year one classroom at the new Rosecroft Primary School at Attleborough. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)