Building work to extend a primary school in a bid to provide additional facilities has begun.

The work, which will provide Thomas Willingale School in The Broadway, Loughton with two extra classrooms and a medical room, began today.

The project will see a piece of wasteland between the reception classrooms and the KS1 corridor, which is currently not being used, transformed into a new building ready for its grand opening in September.

Headteacher Teresa Phillips said: “We are undergoing the building work this term towards an exciting outcome that involves the provision of extra space to support the children's learning and medical needs.

“We are all looking forward to seeing the impact the extra space will have on our children.

"Our reception children are being given the chance to see the build as it progresses and their teachers have cleverly used the opportunity to create their own 'builders yard' in their outside play area.

“Primary schools are always struggling to find spaces within school to teach the children in smaller groups, sometimes they have staff available but no actual room to deliver much-needed small group support which is a proven method of raising children's confidence and attainment.”