A new chapter for Melton Primary School was celebrated as pupils, staff and project partners came together for the official opening of its new early years building in Woodbridge. The occasion marked the completion of the modern learning facility, with Ipswich Town Football Club player Fin Barbrook cutting the ribbon to officially open the building.

Caroline Richardson, Co-Headteacher of Melton Primary School, said: “The completion of our new nursery building marks an exciting chapter for Melton Primary School and the families we serve. Designed specifically for our youngest learners, the new facility provides a calm, welcoming and nurturing environment where children can develop, explore and grow in confidence. The new nursery will enable us to extend our provision to two-year-olds, creating even more opportunities for local families to access high-quality early years education. We look forward to welcoming our new children from September and seeing them flourish in this fantastic new setting.”

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, provides places for up to 30 children and offers 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: “Community Infrastructure Levy redistributes contributions from housing developers to upgrade and improve nearby community facilities, including medical centres, libraries and schools. The CIL funding we have provided for Melton Primary School has enabled the development of this amazing new early years building, directly benefitting local children and their families.”

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 leads 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.

Cllr Tony Gould, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Suffolk County Council, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Melton Primary school and hear from staff what a difference this nursery will make to support children’s education and learning. Discussions with a governor indicated how relieved they are to have this new provision in close proximity to the primary school, making future transition to the main school easier. Suffolk County Council have worked closely with the school and partners to ensure that this wonderful nursery could be built. I am sure that the first class of nursery children will be excited to start in September.”

Following the grant of planning permission 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 complete and ready to support future generations of learners. This milestone is a testament to the dedication, expertise and collaboration of the entire project team. We are proud to have helped create a modern, nurturing environment where children can learn, develop and thrive, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this facility will have on pupils, families and the wider school community for years to come.”

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

Mark Reason, Pre-Construction Director at Seamans, said: “The new nursery at Melton Primary School has been a fantastic project to work on and will provide a calm and inviting learning space for pupils for years to come. The school community has been so supportive throughout the build, involving the children from the beginning so they could see the building take shape from the ground up. It’s wonderful to see the building completed and we look forward to the children moving into their new home after their well-earned summer holiday.”

Designed to meet growing demand for early years places, the new facility will provide high-quality learning opportunities while supporting a seamless transition into primary education. The nursery will open its doors to children at the beginning of the 2026 academic year.