A brand new teaching extension will be officially opened at Bathampton Primary School today – replacing a temporary building which has been used for the last three years.
The Council used Basic Need funding from the government, together with school capital and fundraising from the PTA, to provide a new classroom and learning zone in the building. The classroom is fully furnished and equipped with interactive white boards, carpet space, a wet play area and computers for reception pupils.
Officers from Bath & North East Somerset Council worked closely with the school head, senior management team and governors to plan and implement the new building, which was built by local firm Halsall Construction Ltd.
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “This is a fantastic new resource which offers many different opportunities to enhance the learning experience and improve the life chances of the children at Bathampton Primary School.
“One of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s key priorities is improving school buildings and this latest successful initiative shows how we’re working closely with our schools to transform the educational environment and further the positive impact it has on pupils’ lives.”
The new teaching extension is one of a number of projects at Bathampton Primary School to enhance the facilities open to its pupils and continue to create exciting learning opportunities for all.
Paul Falkus, head teacher of Bathampton Primary School, said: “We love the new building. The architect has done a superb job turning our ideas into bricks and mortar. We wanted a classroom that was spacious and that invites children outdoors. The wide glass bi-fold doors overlooking our field and woods do just that!
“We wanted the design to be playful and the different shaped and coloured windows remind us of Playschool, while the large circular window has a lovely view of Solsbury Hill. We wanted to create a calm but creative atmosphere and we have noticed how quiet, happy and busy the children are in their new classroom. We are grateful to Bath & North East Somerset Council and to Halsalls for the hard work put into this project.”
The extension means that Bathampton Primary School can open its doors to an additional eight children a year from September 2012 onwards, to meet demand following an increase in birth rates.
The school will be able to accommodate six classes next September and seven at a future date. There will be a set reception class and the other children will be spread through the remaining classes. Initially a spare classroom will be used for music lessons, small group teaching and school clubs, for small groups in addition to the learning zone.
Two temporary classrooms – equipped to a high specification for Key Stage Two pupils – will be placed on the south side of the field and the area landscaped; allowing excellent access to the outdoors.
Members of the school council said: “We are all thrilled to have a wonderful new building with more space for children to experience different types of learning. When you walk in the room you can see so many interesting things you can do! Our new classroom is a really child-friendly environment. The little reception class children can even see out of the new, lower windows!
“We are looking forward to being able to have more children in our school, which will mean making even more friends!“
