Education Minister, Leighton Andrews, has attended a sod-cutting ceremony on the site of a new building for Cwm Ifor Primary School in Penyrheol, Caerphilly.

The ceremony marks the beginning of construction on a £6 million project, with £4.4 million coming from a capital funding grant from the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools programme.

The new primary school has been designed with the learner in mind, removing traditional corridor spaces and placing greater emphasis on informal learning areas.

The new Cwm Ifor Primary School is expected to welcome staff and pupils at the beginning of the 2012/13 academic year.

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The Minister said: "I am delighted to be here to mark the beginning of a new era for Cwm Ifor Primary School. The £4.4 million we have invested in this project, together with the funding from the council, will allow this school to go from strength to strength.

"Cwm Ifor is yet another excellent example of government at all levels working together – the collaboration that is at the heart of our 21st century schools programme. I'm sure that the new building will provide pupils and staff with a first class learning environment fit for the 21st century, and I look forward to seeing the project take shape."

The investment at Cwm Ifor underlines the Welsh Government’s commitment to provide further support for the construction sector and boost growth in the economy. £415 million has already been invested in support of specific strategic capital projects, as part of the 21st century schools transitional programme.

Local authorities have been requested to review the 21st century Schools forward outline programme of investment and return submissions by 18th November. An announcement will be made in early December, detailing those programmes that have been successful in obtaining a place in the first wave of investment.

(CD)