PUPILS are already enjoying the fruits of a £4 million extension to the Heart of the Forest Special School.

The project which began last year is expected to be completed in March, but major phases of the scheme, such as a new hall and library, have already been finished.

Still under construction are two classrooms for 14-16 year-olds and an early years department.

Headteacher Melissa Bradshaw said the new extension to the Grade II listed school was done sympath-and blended in nicely as a whole.

"The children absolutely love the new extension," she said.

"The new hall and outside multi-use games area has opened up a lot of sporting opportunities for them.

"Compared to how it was, the school is like a Tardis now – it seems to go on forever.

"The builders have been exceptional and I cannot praise them enough.

"At the end of the year one of them even dressed up as Father Christmas and handed out presents.

"They have become part of the school and we will miss them when they go."

Facilities that have been finished so far include a further education department and a life skills room with a kitchen and bathroom.

In the 'old' part of the school, a new parents' room has been created in the former changing rooms which have been moved into the new building.

Another classroom and food technology room have yet to be completed but Melissa said the builders were on schedule.

"I particularly like how the building as a whole is a mixture between the old and the new," she said.

"The rear buildings are out nearer to the Forest and it is quite idyllic.

"We're on schedule to have everything finished by late February or early March."

The Heart of the Forest caters for around 75 students aged between three and 19-years old.

An Ofsted report last year found the school's key strength to be its welcoming and harmonious atmosphere.