PREPARATION work will start over the summer holidays for the expansion of a junior school.

A public consultation showcasing plans for a new block at Monkwick Junior School in Colchester has just finished.

Work will start over the summer to install a temporary demountable classroom, and convert an old special educational needs room back into a classroom.

Headteacher Mark Walter said: "The public consultation was well attended and we had lots of people from the local community.

"The work will take a year to do and the first intake of students will be in September 2018.

"The children are really excited about it, it's all going to plan.

"We have got time on our side at the moment as things are being lined up."

Designers Inkpen Downie won a mini competition to provide two-storey building, which will include a new SEN room, a studio, two classrooms and a lift. Additional car parking is planned and the existing play area will also be extended.

The scheme will create an extra 60 places at the school in School Road.

Ray Gooding, councillor responsible for education at Essex County Council, said: “We have already spent about £25million creating 1,700 new school places in the Colchester area since 2013/14 and are committed to ensuring that investment continues.

“Subject to planning permission and other approvals, we hope the main building works will start in November.”