PUPILS and staff at a Thurrock special school have moved into a new state-of-the-art building.

On Monday the corridors were buzzing with excitement as pupils and staff at Treetops settled under one roof for their first day in Buxton Road, Grays.

Headteacher Paul Smith said: "I'd like to thank everyone who has been involved in moving the school to the point we're at now.

"It has been recognised that our kids deserve the best and now we have got it."

The new Treetops school and Centre of Excellence has been under construction for four years and cost in the region of £12 million to build.

The school, previously based on sites in Dell Road, Grays, and Fortin Close, South Ockendon, has 200 pupils ageing from three to 19 and over 110 members of staff.

Mr Smith, 50, said: "Everything is under one roof which is great for the school's perspective.

"A lot of the parents and some of the children were very concerned about moving to a new school and it losing its sense of atmosphere and friendliness.

"But already I've spoken to lots of pupils and received cards saying how much they like it here."

Eventually South Ockendon's Beacon Hill Special School will also be based on the campus meaning both of Thurrock's special schools will be on one site.

Building work is expected to start once the new Gateway Academy has been built leaving the current school, based next to Treetops, empty and ready for redevelopment.

Treetops will hold an official opening in April.

COMMENT by ALEX ELLIS

TREETOPS is a shining example of how a school is defined by its ethos rather than bricks and mortar.

I spent an hour walking around the ultra modern hexagonal-shaped building with headteacher Paul Smith and it was obvious within seconds that here was a school built on common ground and mutual respect rather than rules and regulations.

There may only be 200 pupils at Treetops but I would confidently back Mr Smith as being on first name terms with every one of them.

As we walked from one fresh-smelling classroom to another children were almost lining up to offer their opinions on the new building and shake Mr Smith's hand.

Treetops is a special school so it may be unfair to draw parallels with its mainstream counterparts, but when I asked Mr Smith whether he would adopt the same approachable and down to earth style at a "normal" secondary school he replied "yes".

Treetops is an impressive well designed building but no feat of architecture could create the relaxed fun atmosphere that has been cultivated through dynamic leadership and enthusiastic well-guided pupils.