Stow Heath Primary School was selected for redevelopment through the Department for Education's School Rebuilding Programme, with a planning application submitted by Q+A Planning approved by the council last week.

Planning officers said the scheme represents a "substantial investment" in educational infrastructure and will provide "modern, fit for purpose facilities" for pupils, nursery users and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Under the plans, the current U-shaped school building and a number of other existing structures will be demolished and replaced with a new 2 storey, L shaped school building and multi use games area. The existing Rainbows nursery building will be retained.

The redeveloped school will continue to accommodate up to 420 pupils, alongside the 33 place nursery. In addition, a new SEND Resource Base will create 20 extra places, complementing the school's existing Rockets support base, which accommodates 23 pupils.

Headteacher Lisa Scoffham said: "We are absolutely delighted that plans for our new school building have been confirmed.

"This is a landmark moment for Stow Heath Primary School and a major investment in the future of our children. The new building will provide modern, high quality learning environments that will enhance the educational experience of every pupil and create opportunities for generations to come.

"We are excited to see this vision become a reality and to witness the positive impact it will have on our pupils, families and the wider area. Most importantly, this development will give our children inspiring spaces in which to learn, grow and succeed – supporting them to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to thrive, while ensuring our school continues to play a vital role for local families for many years to come."

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This is fantastic news for Stow Heath Primary School and the wider community.

"The redevelopment will provide modern, high quality facilities that will benefit generations of pupils, while ensuring staff have the environment they need to deliver the very best education and support.

"We are particularly pleased to see the additional SEND provision included within the plans, which supports our ambition for more and more children and young people with additional needs to be able to access the specialist support they require closer to home.”

The work will be delivered in phases to enable the school to remain operational throughout the construction period.