Children attending Glanhowy Primary School welcomed the Minister for Education Jane Hutt yesterday as she officially opened their newly refurbished school.

The school which has a new purpose built block and outdoor area has received £850,000 from the Welsh Assembly Government School Buildings Improvement Grant.

The changes to the building ensure the school is capable of delivering the new Foundation Phase curriculum, where children benefit from outdoor play- improving physical fitness, exploring nature and learning about the environment.

The school's official opening comes a week after the announcement of an extra £24million investment from the new Strategic Capital Investment Fund (SCIF) in Wales' school capital programme.

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The increased capital funding will aid local authorities in improving the condition of their schools through refurbishment or reconstruction. This will not only provide an engaging and inspiring environment for learning and teaching, but will also channel much needed money into the construction industry during difficult financial times.

Ms Hutt said: "I look forward to having a tour of Glanhowy's new building and hearing from the pupils how they're enjoying the new improvements to their school.

"This funding will go far to realising our vision for 21st century schools in Wales, where a building can become the centre of a community, while benefiting children's education and well-being.

"This will be the third visit I have made to a schools or nursery that has benefited from capital investment by the Welsh Assembly Government in a fortnight. With an extra £24 million in addition to resources of over £168 million a year already currently invested in improving school buildings, I foresee that I will have the pleasure of visiting many more schools throughout Wales in the near future."

(CD/JM)