This is our final update on the new school playground for this academic year. We are delighted with the progress so far and hope that, by the time we return in September, the project will be fully completed. We cannot wait for the children to enjoy this fantastic new space!
There is great excitement around school this week as work has begun on our new playground equipment, bringing exciting opportunities for outdoor play and physical activity.
We are delighted to share that installation of our new playground equipment has now started. This week, work began on the new climbing frame and trim trail, and it has been wonderful to see the transformation taking place. The children have been eager to watch the progress and are looking forward to making use of the new equipment once it is completed. We can't wait to see the finished playground and look forward to sharing further updates as the project progresses.
The transformation of our new playground is well underway, and pupils are enjoying watching the exciting developments take shape each week.
This week, we have seen new trees planted and significant landscaping work completed in preparation for our new trim trail and climbing frame. Despite losing access to the field and having more limited outdoor space during the building work, our children have coped exceptionally well and adapted positively to spending more time indoors at lunchtimes. We continue to remind them that their patience will be rewarded when the fantastic new playground opens in September. The excitement is certainly building, and we can't wait to share more updates as our new outdoor area comes to life!
Here is the latest update on our new playground development as part of Phase 3 of our school rebuild project.
The project is making great progress, with the new MUGA now installed and contractors beginning to prepare and excavate the remaining areas. This week, Mrs Thomas and Mrs Rowlett met with the DfE to review progress and plan the next stages of the build. There is still plenty of work to do over the summer, including the installation of the climbing frame, trim trail, canopy, outdoor classroom and new grass football pitch.
To help ensure everything is ready for September, access to the school field will close from w/c 29 June, meaning outdoor space will be even more limited for the remainder of the term. Whilst this will impact playtime and lunchtime activities, as well as how we deliver our PE curriculum, we know it will be worth it when the children return in September.
We’re delighted to share the latest photos of our new school playground taking shape. The MUGA is now in place, and work is well underway with surrounding areas being tarmacked and landscaped. As we continue to operate within an active building environment, day-to-day arrangements remain slightly different to normal. While there is still plenty to do, Mrs Thomas and Mrs Rowlett are meeting with the DfE and B&K next week to review progress and plan the next stages. Although space is currently limited during construction, we are incredibly excited about the transformation and are aiming for the playground to be ready early in the new academic year. It’s fantastic to see our new outdoor space coming together for the children to enjoy next year!
On Friday 5th June 2026, we said our final farewell to the old school building.
For 20 minutes on Friday, lessons were paused and pencils were put down as we watched the final section of our old school building being demolished.
Along with lots of cheers and shouts, we said our final farewell to 60 years of memories, learning, friendships, community and, most importantly, generations of True Southgladers.




Lunchtime on Friday was very exciting as we watched the demolition of the old school begin. We shared many fond memories of the old building, while also looking forward with great excitement to our new playground taking shape.
Official Handover of the New School Building
On Wednesday 1st April, Mrs Thomas, Mrs Rowlett and Mr Pegram were on site all day with colleagues from the DfE and B&K to officially see the new school building be officially handed over to school.
All furniture, resources and IT equipment have now been decanted across and we now have the mammoth task of unpacking it all ready for our children to return on Wednesday 15th April.
The new school is beautiful and we cannot wait to share it with you all.

The Final Days...
On Friday 27th March we closed the doors for the last time on our current school building.
It was a busy day in school for staff getting everything packed and ready for the move.
Pickfords (the removalists) were then busy over the weekend and the start of the week moving everything to our new school.

Countdown to the new school building begins... 1 school day to go!!
Our last day in the current school buildings is Thursday 26th March 2026.
As we prepare for our move, we want to keep our whole school community fully informed and supported every step of the way. Below you’ll find more information about what to expect, how we are preparing, and how we will help children feel confident and ready for this exciting new chapter.
With just weeks to go, we are preparing to say goodbye to our current buildings after 60 years of memories and learning. The new building is expected to be completed on 11th March, giving us valuable time to prepare thoroughly before pupils begin their new routines.
Children will start in the new building on Wednesday 15 April 2026, marking the beginning of an exciting new era for Southglade Primary and Nursery School.
(Please note: Friday 27th March, Monday 13th April and Tuesday 14th April are INSET days)
We know that change can be exciting — but it can also feel unsettling, especially when so much is new at once. Moving to a completely new environment is a significant moment for our pupils (and staff), and we are committed to supporting them every step of the way.
Over the coming weeks, we will:
Talk regularly with children about what to expect
Share information and images of the new building wherever possible
Introduce new routines gradually so they feel familiar
Provide opportunities for children to ask questions and share their feelings
Reassure pupils that familiar staff, friendships and learning will continue
Our aim is to make the transition as positive, calm and predictable as possible.
When we move, many everyday aspects of school life will change. For example:
Classrooms and learning spaces will be completely new
Lunchtime arrangements will feel different at first as we move to one dining space
Drop-off and collection points will change
Daily routines and movement around school will be new for everyone
These changes will take time for all of us to learn. Pupils and staff will need time to practise, adjust and settle into new routines — and that’s perfectly normal. We will take things step by step and support everyone as we adapt together.
This half term is a very busy and important preparation period.
In order to be able to achieve all of this Mrs Thomas and Mrs Rowlett will be spending much of their time this half term:
Learning about how the new school building works through on site training
Planning how the new school will operate day to day
Packing and organising everything from our current buildings
Organising resources and classroom spaces
Supporting staff training
Ensuring the building is ready, safe and welcoming for all pupils
Their work will help ensure a smooth and well-organised start in our new environment.
Clear communication with families is essential during this period of change. Please keep an eye out for regular updates, guidance and practical information — including drop-off arrangements, routines and key dates — via the MarvellousMe app.
This move represents a major milestone for our school community. While there will be lots to learn and adjust to, it is also a wonderful opportunity — offering new spaces, new possibilities and an exciting future for our children.
Thank you for your continued support as we prepare for this important transition together.
Demolition of Key Stage 1 and Early Years
By the end of this week (07.02.2025) the old Key Stage 1 and Early Years buildings will have been demolished. This will then be followed by the removal of all the materials and rubble that this has created.
Please visit the parents letter section for information about drop off and collections. These letters have all been sent via Marvellous Me and also via a paper copy.

Below will be a selection of pictures from the new temporary classrooms. They are super comfortable, warm and lovely places to learn.
Please check back later for an update.
As you can see the classrooms in Y1 and Y2 look really great and the children are quickly settling into their new routines.