Teachers have said their Basildon school already feels like a tight-knit community just a month after opening its doors to pupils for the first time.

The Chapel Hill Primary and Nursery School, in Dry Street, has created more than 400 new school places in the town.

The purpose-built building cost £10.6million.

Year one and two teacher Sarah Norton and foundation teacher Lily Shepley said they have really enjoyed their time at the new school.

Engaged - Children take part in Mrs Norton's lessonEngaged - Children take part in Mrs Norton's lesson (Image: Michael Robinson)
The pair said the new building feels like Lee Chapel Primary School, located on The Knares in Basildon.

Ms Shepley, who has been with Lee Chapel for six years, said: “It’s been really exciting, the children are all settling in really well. The parents are all really lovely and supportive of the school.

“All the classrooms look amazing, it feels like Lee Chapel. The kids are not fazed by anything, they just get on with it.

 

Focused - Kids listen intently to Ms ShepleyFocused - Kids listen intently to Ms Shepley (Image: Michael Robinson)

 


“There is so much opportunity for children and staff, and it’s such a great opportunity here to be part of the new classes at the new school.

“Come and have a look around, come and see the teaching and the school. Everyone is welcome.”

The school is a sister school to the oversubscribed Lee Chapel Primary and is run by the Lee Chapel Multi-Academy Trust.

 

Preparing the future - Lily Shepley teachingPreparing the future - Lily Shepley teaching (Image: Michael Robinson) Great time - Sarah Norton has really enjoyed the school since it opened on September 2Great time - Sarah Norton has really enjoyed the school since it opened on September 2 (Image: Michael Robinson)

 


It boasts brand new classrooms, a huge library, and dedicated science and design technology rooms.

Mrs Norton, who has been with the trust for ten years, said: “The school looks beautiful, the wrapping especially looks great. It’s got a real community feel.

“It just seems like we are a little family already, I am looking forward to what’s to come.

“The kids have been really well behaved, they have settled into routines really easily.”

She said headteacher Mrs Jackson had instituted a head boy and head girl for the year four age group to give children roles and responsibilities which they have embraced.

She added the children relish being there to help younger students at the school and this will serve the school well in the future.