Construction of the new early years building at Melton Primary School in Woodbridge has reached a significant milestone, with partners gathering on site to mark the progress with a topping-out ceremony.

Caroline Richardson, Co-Headteacher of Melton Primary School, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be opening our brand-new nursery building here at Melton Primary School. This wonderful new space allows us to expand our early years provision to welcome two-year-olds, giving even more families access to high-quality education from the very start of their child’s journey. The purpose-built facilities have been thoughtfully designed to nurture creativity and confidence in some of the youngest members of our community. It is a truly exciting milestone for our school, and we look forward to seeing our children thrive in this inspiring new environment.”

The new state-of-the-art nursery, funded through East Suffolk Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and delivered in partnership with Suffolk County Council, will provide places for up to 30 children, offering a warm, nurturing environment that enhances and expands the school’s existing early years provision.

Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management, said: “This extension to Melton Primary School is much needed and adds to the excellent work the team at the school have made in the last few years. East Suffolk Council is pleased that the money it raises from new housing is used to improve early years education, which is so important for the future of the Melton community.”

Designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, the purpose-built facility features buff brick materials, a single-storey scale consistent with the existing school buildings, and a contemporary architectural style. A thoughtfully designed canopied area will lead to an engaging play space alongside large windows that offer beautiful views of the street-edge trees, bringing natural light and a sense of the outdoors into the heart of the nursery.

Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and SEND, said: “Suffolk County Council is committed to giving every child the very best start in life. This new early years provision at Melton Primary School will create more local places for families and strengthen support for our youngest learners. It’s a great example of partnership working, delivering real benefits for families in Woodbridge.”

Following planning permission granted in June 2025, construction began in Autumn 2025, led by Concertus in partnership with local contractor Seamans Building.

Charles Coulson, Associate Director at Concertus, said: “It is fantastic to see the new early years building taking shape on site. This milestone reflects the hard work and collaboration of the whole project team. We are proud to be delivering a nurturing and engaging environment for the youngest learners in our community, and we look forward to the positive impact this new facility will have on local families and the school community once completed.”

The new building has been carefully designed to support both learning and wellbeing, incorporating dedicated quiet spaces, toilets, and a staff workspace.

Matt Bynoe, Construction Director at Seamans, said: “As construction professionals, it is always a privilege to work on live projects where we are welcomed into a school community throughout the build. Melton Primary School’s new early years facility has been a fantastic project to be part of so far, and we look forward to successfully delivering the scheme in the summer term. It will certainly be bittersweet to leave such a vibrant and supportive school community.”

The project responds to the growing demand for high quality early years places in the area and will strengthen the connection between the school and its youngest learners. The new nursery is scheduled to complete in May, ready to welcome children for the start of the new 2026 academic year.