Major improvement work is underway as the Vale of Glamorgan Council prepares the old St Baruc Primary School site in Barry for the arrival of Ysgol Y Deri pupils.

More than £300,000 has been invested to create a second home for the award-winning school, which caters for children with additional learning needs.

Known as Ysgol Y Deri Barry, around 60 pupils and staff will be based at the location from September.

This is a temporary measure while a new purpose-built campus, known as Ysgol Y Deri 2, is developed at Cosmeston, near Penarth.

Widespread renovation work is taking place to ensure Ysgol Y Deri Barry is ready for the new school term.

This includes:

•           Creating a new entrance and main reception with ramp access.

•           Installing a CCTV system.

•           Boxing off all radiators and low-level pipework.

•           Replacing all toilets and cubicles.

•           Fitting a new kitchen.

•           Access control introduced to the building.

•           New fencing erected.

•           Decorating and new flooring throughout.

•           Replacement guttering.

•           The creation of six classrooms, a breakout room and food technology room.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: "With Ysgol y Deri oversubscribed, this building will help support pupils while a new, permanent site is developed.

"It will mean class sizes can be kept small, which combined with the host of adaptations being made, will offer the best learning environment.

"As Ysgol Y Deri caters for children across the County, it will also make travelling to school easier for many."

Earlier this summer, Welsh Government confirmed it would not intervene in the planning process for Ysgol Y Deri 2.

This means the council can begin development in line with plans approved in March.