HANBURY C of E First School has opened its doors on its new £750,000 extension, writes Elena Pereslucha.
The development has been added onto the main school and boasts two larger classrooms, a new meeting room, new toilets and a new storage room.
The two new larger classrooms replaced two aged mobile classrooms which were proving costly to repair and maintain.
The new project not only gives students an engaging space to learn but the new classrooms have been designed to be more energy efficient. They have new solar panels, air conditioning and a lot of natural light comes in from the windows.
Worcestershire County Council provided a Capital Maintenance Grant of £699,000 for the project and the school funded the rest.
Hanbury C of E School headteacher, Aaron McDonagh, said the school had seen many changes in its 100-year history and the new investment helped it take another huge step forward.
“The design of the new extension was a result of lots of research and we feel it reflects our vision perfectly.
“As a rural school, we’re determined to maintain a nurturing environment whilst ensuring we maximise each child’s learning potential.
“We’re located in a beautiful part of the Worcestershire countryside.
“This new chapter in our story means we can make the most of our surroundings in a building that’s more than fit for the future.”
Coun Dan Boatright-Greene, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Manager with Responsibility for Education, SEND and Skills, said positive leaning spaces had a positive impact on both pupils and teachers as they provided students with opportunities to learn, develop and grow.
“As a teacher myself, I know the real impact that positive learning spaces can have on pupils, both now and in the future.”
Through the ongoing School Capital Maintenance Programme, Worcestershire County Council have been gradually replacing temporary classrooms in maintained schools where there is a long-term need for permanent space.
