A topping out ceremony has been held for a new nursery at Melton Primary School – which will provide places for 30 children in the local community.
Construction of the new state-of-the-art early years facility began in autumn 2025, and is expected to be completed in May, ready to welcome students in September.
The project is being led by Concertus, in partnership with contractor Seamans Building, and funded through East Suffolk Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), delivered in partnership with Suffolk County Council.
The design and construction teams met with local councillors and staff from the school on Wednesday, February 26 to celebrate the final brick being laid before the finishing touches are put on the building.
Co-Headteacher Caroline Richardson said: “This wonderful new space allows us to expand our early years provision to welcome two-year-olds, giving even more families access to high-quality education from the very start of their child’s journey.
“The purpose-built facilities have been thoughtfully designed to nurture creativity and confidence in some of the youngest members of our community.
“It is a truly exciting milestone for our school, and we look forward to seeing our children thrive in this inspiring new environment.”
Site Manager Darren Knights, from Seamans, said: “It has been a really interesting project to work on.
“The children have been very engaged in what we have been doing and we have built a great relationship with the school and staff.
“The children were here to watch when the foundations were poured, so have seen the building constructed from the ground up.”
The innovative building features a large sheltered canopy so children can enjoy an all-weather play space, along with large windows with views of the school grounds.
Charles Coulson, Associate Director at Concertus, said: “It is fantastic to see the new early years building taking shape on site.
“This milestone reflects the hard work and collaboration of the whole project team.
“We are proud to be delivering a nurturing and engaging environment for the youngest learners in our community, and we look forward to the positive impact this new facility will have on local families and the school community once completed.”
READ MORE: Greenlit plans for SEND school and hub a ‘first for Suffolk’
Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management, said: “This extension to Melton Primary School is much needed and adds to the excellent work the team at the school have made in the last few years.
“East Suffolk Council is pleased that the money it raises from new housing is used to improve early years education, which is so important for the future of the Melton community.”
Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, added: “Suffolk County Council is committed to giving every child the very best start in life.
“This new early years provision at Melton Primary School will create more local places for families and strengthen support for our youngest learners.”
