Moorlands Infant School is celebrating the official opening of its newly refurbished learning wing which was funded has been funded by the Council.
The Council used some dedicated Basic Need capital funding from the government to undertake works to provide extra pupil places within the Bath area – required due to a ‘baby boom’ in 2006/7.
This has created four new flexible learning zones and a large shared covered outdoor area, with safety flooring, allowing the children to learn outside whatever the weather. Each learning space has interactive white boards, carpet space, a wet play area and computers.
The school is part of the new Moorlands Schools Federation and sits alongside Moorlands Junior School. The school site also incorporates a new nature trail, a woodland area, playing fields, four playgrounds, a meadow, an orchard, a wildlife pond and space to grow fruit and vegetables.
With such excellent facilities, the school was thrilled to be in a position to offer space for an additional class entering the school this September.
Colin Lacey, the Chair of Governors for Moorlands Schools Federation, said: “It is amazing to see how much has been achieved in the two schools since the Federation came into being in January of this year.
“We are delighted to have worked closely with an enthusiastic and dedicated team at Bath & North East Somerset Council on this particular project in the Infant School. It has enabled us to take the best parts of our 1950s building and bring them into the 21st century. We now have a learning and teaching environment that is worthy of the staff and children who work within it.”
Councillor Nathan Hartley (Lib-Dem, Peasedown), Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Youth, said: “Improving school buildings is one of the key priorities of Bath & North East Somerset Council and we’re delighted that the children, teachers and governors of Moorlands Infant School are all so happy with their new learning spaces.
“This innovative approach to accommodating an increase in pupil numbers will help the school to grow and continue to provide a terrific learning environment for our children.”
Mr Lacey thanked the previous and current headteachers, Bridgett Collett, Linda Bamber and Clare Griffin-Felton for their contributions to the success of the project. He also praised the staff and children for their willingness to be flexible during the building process.
Moorlands Schools Federation head teacher, Clare Griffin-Felton said: “The project has created a social and interactive learning space providing an ideal environment for the children to learn through play.
“Teachers are able to plan exciting and inspiring sessions in which the children develop an understanding of key skills, working fluidly with their peers from all three reception classes. The children have been thoroughly enjoying exploring the new surroundings since joining the school in September.”
This is one of a number of projects that are taking place across both schools in Moorlands Schools Federation to enhance the facilities open to its pupils and to continue to create exciting learning opportunities for all.
