CHILDREN and staff at Ysgol Llangadog are celebrating the completion of a new extension as part of a £4.5million investment at the school.

The new building providing new classroom accommodation for 120 pupils, together with the construction of a new 52-space car park, marks the completion of phase one of the scheme.

It is part of the council’s Modernising Education Programme (MEP) which aims to give every child in the county access to first class accommodation and facilities and is jointly funded by the council and the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.

Headteacher Andrea Moore said: “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to develop a modern, inclusive and exciting learning environment for all our pupils and the wider community. This new purpose-built resource will provide the staff and pupils with excellent indoor and outdoor learning facilities that will further improve the standards of learning and wellbeing for all.”

Work is now continuing on phase two of the scheme to remodel and refurbish the existing school building which is expected to be completed during the 2020 spring term.

This will accommodate the kitchen and dining room, hall / gymnasium and will also be used by an external provider to deliver 30 nursery places.

The works are being carried out by local contractor WRW.

Local member Cllr Andrew James said: “I am delighted to see this new extension in use, it is such a wonderful place to learn in and I am looking forward to the completion of the project.”

The Modernising Education Programme has invested £280million to date in Carmarthenshire schools, including the building of 11 new primaries and 2 new secondaries.

Education board member for education Cllr Glynog Davies said: “It is a happy day at Llangadog, the first phase of the council’s £4.5million investment has been completed.

“This is a boost for pupils and staff and for Llangadog too, I am pleased to see the partnership which is developing between education and the community. The school will be used by the community and in turn the pupils and staff will benefit from community facilities, such as the rugby fields next door. I wish them all the very best for the future.”