WORK has begun to improve a village primary school.

The Secretary of State has backed plans to redevelop St Helen Auckland Primary School, near Bishop Auckland, which is a grade II listed building.

A single-storey 25mx10m extension is to be built to the north and west of the existing nursery, which was extended about ten years ago.

The annexe, expected to be ready by late October, will provide a new reception area, office, staffroom and kitchens.

Consulting and training rooms and a multi-purpose space will also be created for Sure Start, the early learning initiative already based at the school.

To replace part of the playground being lost to the development, a new play area will be formed to the north of the existing nursery garden. A canopy and play area will also be constructed to the west of the current creche.

The oldest part of the building is to be refurbished to create a foundation stage site, in line with a Government move to link nursery and reception classes.

Three to five-year-olds will all be learning closer together in the open-plan area, which should be ready by August 15.

Headteacher Tom Violet said: "This work will improve facilities, it will be a much better environment for pupils and staff. It is nice to see some physical improvements to the building. Pleasant surroundings help children learn and enjoy their time at school.

"Working closer to reception class pupils will help the nursery children enormously. Their confidence will grow and they will feel a much stronger part of the school." Jean Bond, an early years advisor with Wear Valley Sure Start, said: "The school will benefit and the extension of Sure Start's facilities will help local children and families.

"The extra space will enable us to run more toddler groups, play sessions, computing and adult learning classes.

"We also hope it will lead to funding for a Neighbourhood Nursery, through the New Opportunities Fund, which could provide low-cost child care for parents who want to go back to work or retrain."

l Wear Valley Sure Start holds an open day at Auckland Youth and Community Centre, Woodhouse Close Estate, this Thursday from 10am to 2pm with activities and displays including details of the St Helen project.