Morrison Construction is continuing work on a new £8.5 million shared campus school in Paisley.

The new St Paul's Primary School includes Foxlea Early Learning and Childcare Centre. It will house 212 pupils and is on schedule to be finished in time for the start of term in August.

Features of the scheme include an integrated communication unit with space for a further 24 pupils, as well as capacity for 80 pre five children. An adult learning and literacy centre can house up to 10 students.

Externally, the school will contain outdoor leaning spaces with a canopied area designed for use by smaller groups of pupils to carry out a range of activities, including science experiments. All formal learning spaces link directly to covered outdoor spaces, which, in turn, connect to outdoor play areas.

In addition, an all-weather sports surface and forest area where children can create 'mud kitchens' has also been developed, while a bike and scooter rack will encourage children to ride to school.

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The playground will have graphics and games painted into the ground surface and as well as a gym, a centrally located studio provides space for dance and movement classes. The building will be on one level and have access to the pitch from the gym.

Renfrewshire Council's Education Convener Jim Paterson and Depute Convener and Provost Lorraine Cameron recently visited the construction site to see progress of the new build campus for themselves.

Cllr Paterson said: "We are determined to give our children and young people the best learning environments possible to help them achieve their full potential and this campus is a great example of that.

"Outdoor learning is central to the curriculum and access to external spaces means that pupils can engage with the world around them.

"The school is truly one for the 21st century, with all of the class rooms designed to support modern teaching aids and internet ready. The campus is on track to be fully operational this August and is on budget."

Eddie Robertson, Morrison Construction Managing Director for Central Scotland, said: "We were delighted to welcome members of Renfrewshire Council onto site and show them the great progress we have made to date on this fantastic new building.

"The project is moving forward on schedule with the internal fit out well underway.

"We continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver a first-class facility for the pupils, teachers and community members."

(LM)