BUILDERS are busy working on the foundations of a futuristic-looking primary school which is set to replace the current outdated two-storey building.

A month after demolition crews moved on to the grounds at Fairfield Community Primary School the headteacher, Alex Wall, said work was progressing quickly. Diggers are flattening the ground and removing concrete and earth ready for foundations and drainage pipes.

The school, in Fairfield Close, Brickfields, Worcester, currently has 130 pupils and is expected to open in spring 2006.

"We are very much looking forward to moving in, and one of the most significant things is it will all be on one level," said Mr Wall.

"It's very, very striking and a very attractive building.

"The contractors seem to be making good progress, and the demolition has been very quick," he added.

It is another step forward in the school's rebirth, which, less than a year ago, was called Elbury Mount Primary School, and was blighted with a poor performance.

It was the first school in Worcestershire to be put under the Government's Fresh Start Programme to turn it round.

In March this year, Ofsted school inspectors ranked it a 'good' school.

Pupils will have lessons in their current buildings until the new one is ready. Once the transition is complete the old school will be pulled down.

Mr Wall said there would be eight 'teaching areas' arranged in a semicircle around the main hall, reception and offices. Lyppard Rangers FC will use the large playing fields for training and matches.

When the children move to their new home, Mr Wall said he hoped the school would provide a safe place for youngsters to play and learn.

"We welcome the use of the field by Lyppard Rangers as it means the school facilities will be used for more of the day," he said.

"And with the breakfast club and other groups in the afternoon, we hope to provide wrap around care from eight in the morning to six at night for those who want it."