HUNDREDS of schoolchildren will walk through the doors of new multi-million-pound primary schools this week.
Blindwells and Craighall primary schools, which could become home to 420 youngsters, open their doors on Wednesday.
Staff have been getting a feel of the new schools ahead of the new term.
Councillor Fiona Dugdale, East Lothian Council’s cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, was counting down to the first school bell.
She said: “This has been an incredible achievement from everyone involved in the delivery of these two new primary schools.
“Delivering two projects of this scale simultaneously is no mean feat and the results are testament to the commitment, skill and professionalism of our in-house teams.
“They have been resolute in their work to create modern and efficient buildings that offer the best learning and teaching spaces for children and staff and valuable spaces in the heart of their new communities.”
The two new schools were handed over to East Lothian Council at the beginning of last month.
That followed on from Gemma-Rose Lansdown and Jamie Wilson being appointed as headteachers for Blindwells Primary School and Craighall Primary School respectively.
Both schools have been designed with the shared accommodation of a multi-purpose hall, dining, social stair and library placed centrally, and classrooms and supporting spaces wrapped around them.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The entire buildings are viewed as learning spaces, not just the classrooms, allowing teachers to embrace the variety of environments to deliver their teaching in alternative and more informal ways throughout the school.
“A flexible approach means that areas can be used for multiple functions both by the school and external groups, helping to promote the schools as focal points in their newly-established communities.
"Extensive glass provides plenty of natural light and views outside to keep the buildings bright and promote wellbeing, while external spaces offer opportunities for structured outdoor, free and imaginative play and woodland exploration.
“The interior design has been carefully considered to echo the natural environments surrounding each school and provide a warm and calming atmosphere for children, staff and visitors.”
The estimated combined project cost for both schools is £49.6 million, predominantly funded through Section 75 developer contributions.
East Lothian Council’s strategic asset and property management service led on the buildings’ design and interior design, and monitored and managed both schools to ensure they meet the required quality and cost levels.
They also worked closely with other council services, such as education, IT and facilities management, and the two headteachers, to co-ordinate all aspects essential to the establishment of a new school ready for staff and children.
The authority worked closely with its development partner, Hub South East, to take the projects from initial designs to completion.
JM Architects worked up designs created by the council’s in-house architects, with Balfour Beatty appointed as main contractor.
Mrs Dugdale added: “We are all incredibly excited to welcome learners, staff and families to Blindwells and Craighall Primary Schools.
“Every space has been designed with care and created with them in mind.
“I’m very proud of everyone who has been involved in this process.
“Your work will be appreciated for generations to come.”
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