A SPADE will be put into the ground on the last day of term to mark the beginning of a �2.2m improvement project at Hempnall Primary School. The present building at the south Norfolk school will be remodelled to provide a larger reception classroom, a library, staff room and better toilets.

A SPADE will be put into the ground on the last day of term today to mark the beginning of a �2.2m improvement project at Hempnall Primary School.

The present building at the south Norfolk school will be remodelled to provide a larger reception classroom, a library, staff room and better toilets.

A new building will also be built to offer four classrooms, a new hall, kitchen, main entrance, reception office, head teacher's office, sick bay, cloakroom space, storage and toilets.

The scheme is expected to be completed by autumn next year.

Head Miriam Leston, said: “I am absolutely delighted that work is finally getting under way. It will make a huge difference to all the children at Hempnall Primary School. We will have new classrooms, state-of-the-art ICT and a hall, which will give us much better facilities for PE.”

Shelagh Hutson, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for children's services, said the money being invested in the school would transform the facilities for the benefit of both staff and pupils for years to come.

“The county council and Norfolk's schools are doing a huge amount of work to develop our children and young people's skills and raise their aspirations so that they have everything they need to go on and fulfil their ambitions throughout their life,” she added.

She will join South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon, county councillor Alison Thomas and school representatives at the ground-breaking ceremony, which takes place at 10am.