STAFF and pupils are celebrating after more than £1million of funding for new buildings at their school was approved.

Pupils at Mersea Island Primary School, in Barfield Road, will start the next school year with improved classrooms, a better library and updated IT facilities.

The funding was originally promised two years ago, under the Government’s Primary Capital Programme, but has only been confirmed after spending cuts saw similar schemes scrapped.

Headteacher Nicky Sirett said: “We knew we had got the grant, but, in the current economic climate and until we had the appropriate permissions, I did not believe it would happen.

“The plans are for two new classrooms for reception classes, plus a block completely refurbished with six spacious classrooms rather than the seven small and cramped ones at the moment.

“Also, a better library and improved toilets, which were horrible, will be built.

“It is going to make a huge difference to the quality of life of children and staff.”

Work will begin in January and run through the summer holidays. Some classrooms will be closed, with pupils being taught in other rooms, including the school hall.

Mrs Sirett said the school was taking a “no pain, no gain” attitude and looking forward to the improvements from September.

In total, £1,086,585 has been budgeted. This includes money for the new classrooms, remodelling of the school’s Blackwater building, improved circulation, remodelled suites, special needs facilities and other work to update buildings constructed between the Victorian era and the Seventies.

The Primary Capital Programme is a nationwide scheme to increase investment to raise educational standards through better teaching and buildings.