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New Year 6 classroom unveiled at Martlesham Primary Academy

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Primary school pupils got a sneak peek at their new standalone Year 6 classroom during a guided tour. The modern, high-tech building aims to prepare older students for the transition to secondary school.

Why it matters: The new classroom will help prepare Year 6 students for secondary school while allowing the small primary to expand its facilities.

Children at Martlesham Primary Academy donned hard hats and hi vis for their tour of the new classroom
Children at Martlesham Primary Academy donned hard hats and hi-vis for their tour of the new classroomSeamans Building

Key details:

  • Bury St Edmunds-based Seamans Building constructed the standalone building.

  • It's designed to give older children a separate learning space.

  • Seamans also donated and installed a large wooden shed to become the school's new Reading Café and held a careers day to teach pupils about the construction industry.

Pupils were given a guided tour by Headteacher Emma Churchman and Site Manager Adam Gillibrand
Pupils were given a guided tour by Headteacher Emma Churchman and Site Manager Adam GillibrandSeamans Building

What they're saying: Headteacher Emma Churchman praised the project: "Working with Seamans to deliver a new classroom and improve facilities around the school has been inspirational and a real positive experience for the staff."

She added: "Learning environments are important to enable children to develop and grow."

What's next: Pupils will decorate the new wooden shed to transform it into the Reading Café.

Health Minister meets Ipswich MPs over cancelled surgery plans

News

The government minister responsible for primary care has met with Ipswich's MPs to discuss the cancelled development of a 'super surgery' in north west Ipswich. Stephen Kinnock MP held talks with local representatives following the scrapping of Cardinal Medical Practice's planned development at the former Tooks Bakery site.

Why it matters: The meeting signals high-level government engagement with Ipswich's primary care challenges, particularly in the north west of the town where the cancelled development was planned.

The big picture: The development at the former Tooks Bakery site was intended to create a new 'super surgery' that would embed healthcare services within the local community, aligning with the government's long-term NHS strategy.

Jack Abbott, Patrick Spencer and Health Minister Stephen Kinnock
Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 NovemberOffice of Jack Abbott MP

The details: Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 November:

  • Both MPs emphasised the need for improved primary care in north west Ipswich

  • The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to community-based healthcare

  • The project was meant to align with recommendations from the Darzi Report on NHS strategy

  • No immediate solution was proposed

What they're saying:

  • "I will continue to work with local and national politicians and our local NHS to try and find a workable solution," said Jack Abbott MP

  • Patrick Spencer MP described the cancellation as "bitterly disappointing" for both the medical practice and local residents

  • Spencer added that the promised new 'super surgery' would "deliver exactly what the Government has committed to – health services embedded in the local community"

The bottom line: While the minister has reinforced the government's commitment to community healthcare, no immediate solution has been proposed for the cancelled development. Both MPs have pledged to continue working towards a sustainable solution.

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