A POWYS primary school that moved into its new building at the start of the year has finally had all its pupils under one roof for the first time.

Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School, which was established in 2017 following a re-organisation process, moved into its 21st Century facility at the beginning of January. The school has been operating across three different sites in the town until the beginning of the year.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the school only opened to a small number of children to begin with followed by foundation phase learners last month.

This week, Key Stage 2 learners returned to primary schools across the county including those at Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School. Monday, March 15, was the first time that all learners attended the same building.

In a video posted on Twitter, teachers, including headteacher Justine Baldwin, take viewers on a virtual tour of the school, while Year 1/2 pupil Sofia raves about the new, clean toilets and carpet.

Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School is the latest project the council has delivered under its 21st Century School Programme. The new school, which will help the council deliver its ‘Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys’, is the first Passivhaus primary school to be built by the council.

Councillor Phyl Davies, cabinet member for education and property, said: "Primary schools across the county have this week welcomed all learners back for the first time since before the Christmas holidays and I'm sure school staff are delighted to see them all.

"However, Monday, March 15, was a special day for Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School. Despite the new build opening over two months ago, yesterday was the first time that the school has been able to have all their learners under one roof.

"Providing high quality teaching and learning environments is one of the aims of our Vision 2025 and this new school certainly achieves this aim. It has also been built to Passivhaus standards, which will help the council meet its ambition to reduce carbon emissions to net zero as part of efforts to tackle climate change.

"It must have been a proud moment for everyone at the school earlier this week and I hope all the learners and staff will enjoy the new school. I'm certain their new surroundings will help them thrive."