Pupils and staff at Allanton Primary School and Nursery had an extra-special reason to celebrate the start of the school term as they made a welcome return to the school building they moved out of last year.
The building was closed in October 2021 to allow essential structural repairs to take place. It meant that children and staff from the primary school were temporarily moved to Dykehead Primary in Shotts, while nursery pupils at the school made the move to nearby Newmains nursery.
But today, Wednesday 17 August, they returned home on the first day of the new term to a fully refurbished, bright and friendly new school environment.
Head teacher of Allanton Primary and Nursery, Miss Sheena McFaite, paid tribute to pupils, parents and staff at the school for their support.
She said: “I can’t thank everyone enough for the way in which we’ve all come together to ensure that this process was made as smooth as possible and to ensure that children were given our full support.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at Dykehead Primary School and Newmains Nursery for making us feel so welcome and to our parent council for their support, while the work took place.”
External works on the building have addressed the structural issues and the general look and feel of of the building has been improved.
There have been IT upgrades and internal improvements creating a welcoming environment for children and staff.
Further plans include upgrading washroom and toilet facilities later this financial year.
Staff from the school and nursery came in to help out over the summer to empty boxes and make sure everything was in its right place.
Miss McFaite added: “We’ve had so many positive comments from local people saying how great the school is looking.
“It was wonderful seeing the reaction of parents and pupils when they arrived this morning.
“In many ways it feels like we’ve moved into a brand-new school building, albeit one which retains its great character.
"In four years the building will celebrate its centenary year and we can all look forward to such a positive future as a focal point for the community here in Allanton.”
Paris, a pupil in primary seven at Allanton Primary, said: “It feels a bit like we’re moving back home. This is where we’ve been throughout our whole primary schooling and it’s really lovely being back here.”