WORK is set to take place to enable the multi-million pound transformation of a Wrexham school to become reality.

The £4.5 million extension and refurbishment of Ysgol yr Hafod in Johnstown will pave the way for both infants and juniors to be taught on the same site at Bangor Road.

Preparations are being made to ensure pupils continue their learning uninterrupted while construction takes place, and after the February half-term break junior pupils will temporarily move from Bangor Road to the infants' site in Melyd Avenue.

Mobile classrooms are being installed ready to accommodate the extra numbers, and parents and residents are being kept updated.

The work is being funded by the Welsh Government 21st Century Schools programme.

Cllr David A Bithell, chairman of school governors, said: "The next stage is to move all pupils to the Foundation Phase site on Melyd Avenue from March 1, and we're communicating with parents and local residents about the plans.

"These are exciting times and we're looking forward to having a new school and improving the facilities for children and staff – although we do recognise that some of the parking issues will be challenging during the interim period.

"We're working really hard to address local concerns and the school and myself will keep parents and residents updated as work progresses."

Headteacher Alison Heale said: "The young people of Johnstown deserve the very best facilities, and when the work at Bangor Road is complete, we'll have an inspiring and modern learning environment that will benefit all of our children.

"Although the interim period will bring its challenges, we're well-prepared and ready to rise to those challenges. This is a hugely exciting time for pupils, staff and parents."

Cllr Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council's lead member for education, said: "Bringing all the children together on one modern site – with the best classrooms and facilities – will be an exciting step forward for Ysgol yr Hafod.

"It's a wonderful school with dedicated staff and governors, and I'm delighted we can undertake this work using funding from the 21st Century Schools programme."

The timeline for the work (subject to change) for parents and residents is due to be as follows:

  • Preparation work for mobile classrooms at Melyd Avenue until January 10-31 (drainage, foundations etc).
  • The delivery of mobile classrooms will begin week starting January 31. Anyone who lives on roads directly affected by the route of the mobiles and crane should receive a letter with a map of the route.
  • Mobile classrooms will be made ready for juniors between February 7 and 18
  • On February 18 the Bangor Road site will be closed to pupils to allow furniture to be packed and moved. The Melyd Avenue site will be open as normal.
  • February 21-25 is half-term week, so the school will be closed. Removal teams will finish moving furniture from the juniors' site at Bangor Road to the infants' site at Melyd Avenue.
  • There is a staff training day on February 28 and the school reopens on March 1. All pupils will return to the site at Melyd Avenue, allowing construction work to begin at Bangor Road.

The school crossing patrol will move from Bangor Road to the infants' site while construction work takes place.