Work has begun to expand a Stotfold school by 150 places in time for the next academic year in September.

Roecroft Lower School – which has an outstanding Ofsted rating – is set for five new classrooms and a bigger dining room as part of Central Bedfordshire Council’s £100million scheme to create 6,500 places in the next five years.

The work at Roecroft is among a number of projects taking place in Stotfold to meet the growing demand for school places due to housing being built in the area.

Headteacher Julie Pearson said: “Our school community is very much looking forward to the completion of this new wing to the school so that we can continue to offer the very best learning experience for every child to achieve their full potential.”

As part of the expansion, Pippin Pre-school – which is home to 150 two and three-year-olds – has been relocated within the same site, and took part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Pre-school manager Rose Sharp said: “Pippin has been part of the Stotfold community for more than 50 years.

“We have grown from a small playgroup catering for 24 children per morning to looking after 60 children per session from 7.30am until 6pm.

“We are extremely happy to be in our new purpose-built building and look forward to serving our community for many years to come.

“My thanks goes to all the wonderful children, parents, staff and committee members past and present who have supported us and enabled us to grow.”

St Mary’s Church of England Academy is also being expanded to increase its capacity from 225 pupils to 300 in September.