The refurbishment and extension of Ysgol I D Hooson officially began today as the school’s headteacher Clare Raynor, councillors and Wrexham Council officers met with Read Construction, on-site.
The extension project includes an eight-classroom extension, while internal refurbishment will create a new school hall and allow the childcare provision to be brought into the main building from it’s current temporary accommodation. On-site parking will also be improved.
Headteacher, Claire Raynor, said: “I am thrilled that this project is now underway. It is going to have such a positive impact on the pupils’ learning environment, in particular, the expansion of Welsh language provision here at the school which will in turn impact its growth in Rhos and the surrounding community. Bilingualism has been proven to have a positive effect on children’s educational development, and is not underestimated here at Ysgol I D Hooson.
“I look forward to seeing the project progress and involving the school and local community along the way.”
Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education, said: “I would like to thank the Welsh Government for its investment in the modernisation of Ysgol I D Hooson, our Welsh-medium primary school in Rhos.
“These improvements will help ensure that pupils and staff benefit from a modern, welcoming, and high-quality learning environment, supporting the continued growth and success of Welsh-medium education in our community in the village of Rhos.
“As lead member for education, it is always a personal pleasure to see improvements made to the fabric of our schools. Investing in school buildings is an investment in our children, our families, and the future of our communities.
“I am grateful to the Welsh Government for recognising the importance of Ysgol I D Hooson and for providing the funding needed to enhance this valued local school. I look forward to seeing pupils enjoy the benefits of these improvements for many years to come.”
Karen Heaton-Morris, director at Read Construction, said: “As a Wrexham-based contractor, we are delighted to have started work at Ysgol I.D. Hooson. The project will deliver modern facilities for pupils and staff while supporting the local economy through employment opportunities, apprenticeships and the use of local supply chain partners. We are currently advertising subcontract and supplier opportunities through Sell2Wales and would encourage Wrexham-based businesses to get in touch.”
The project, match-funded by the Welsh Government through its Sustainable Communities for Learning Programme, is designed to support the long-term needs of the school. The project will provide modern, flexible learning environments while creating permanent facilities for spaces currently accommodated within temporary classrooms. The scheme will also deliver sustainability improvements, including energy-efficient design measures and enhanced site infrastructure.
