PUPILS at six Newport schools are set to benefit from an extra £3.6 million being spent on much needed improvements.

Council bosses say the cash is in addition to its huge rolling maintenance plan that is part of its commitment to ensure the city's children have the best possible standard of education.

The news comes after the Argus revealed last week that Gwent schools faced a £200m repair bill.

Assembly grants of £3.6 million will be spent on major works at two comprehensives and four primaries in the next financial year.

Bassaleg is getting new special needs facilities and classrooms to replace temporary buildings while Caerleon will also say goodbye to stop-gap rooms by gaining a new music and drama suite.

Llanmartin Primary is looking forward to a nursery unit to replace the existing defective building. Millbrook Primary, Monnow Junior and Monnow Infants will undergo general refurbishment.

Julie Baxter, Llanmartin's head teacher, was delighted with the news.

"We needed a new building. My governors have tried very hard over the years to get one in place and now work is finally starting in February. We are really thrilled."

She explained the new nursery would now be part of the school and would also be used by a local playgroup.

"We will be able to start offering a kind of wrap-around care," said Mrs Baxter.

Three new secondary schools for Bettws, Hartridge and Duffryn are also being built by the council.

Other improvements carried out at the city's schools include the following.

  • More than £5 million spent on fire precautions in the last five years.
  • Following a security review, perimeter fencing was being installed at some schools.
  • An ongoing programme of window renewal at Lliswerry High, St Julians Infants and Juniors, Gaer Junior and Lodge Hill Infants.
  • Slate roofs renewed at Clytha Primary and an ongoing project at Maesglas.
  • Rolling programme of external decoration at Mount Pleasant, Langstone and St Julians High.