THE headteacher of a primary school in Berkeley has reacted to works planned to take place at their school. 

Berkeley Primary School has submitted an application to Stroud District Council to build a new classroom and a new nursery building to increase capacity. 

Headteacher Alex Robbins said: “This is an extremely exciting project which we have been planning for the last few years in conjunction with increasing numbers of families moving to the area, and recent housing developments. 

“Demand for places particularly within the early years foundation stage is high resulting in our initial plans to expand our nursery setting.  

“Further buildings have been carefully planned to allow for future expansion opportunities to coincide with the needs within the Community.

“Being part of a successful, supportive Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust has enabled us to use a wide range of expertise to ensure we can use monies to provide resources befitting the needs of the school and the community it serves. 

“This project will not only provide more places for children but will enhance our curriculum with further space and resources.”

Capacity needs to increase by a total of 46 spaces - 33 more school places and 13 nursery places.

At the moment the school currently has 184 pupil places and 38 nursery places. 

If the plans are approved, the new facilities would also create two new jobs - one full time and one part time. 

Berkeley nursery known as Little Jesters would have a new covered entrance lobby which would provide families with a new sheltered waiting area.

The single-storey primary classroom would feature space for at least a class of 28 students, outside bike storage, an office, a reception area and unisex toilets.

In September 2016 the school joined the Cotswold Beacon Academy Trust and received a good rating in its most recent Ofsted inspection in May 2019.

View the application at stroud.gov.uk/planning, reference number is S.22/1480/FUL.