Work to refurbish a primary school in Carlton has now been completed – in time for the start of the new term.
Haddon Primary and Nursery School specialises in the education of pupils aged between three and 11, and is part of the Flying High Trust – a multi-academy trust (MAT) comprising 22 primary schools located across the East Midlands.
Since its creation in 1976, the school had been confined to one level, with classrooms separated by curtains.
The project, which commenced in July 2017, also entailed the construction of a new assembly/sports hall, a library, and a sensory room.
Works at the school on Haddon Close were phased to minimise disruption to pupils, staff and visitors, with the refurbishment of the year six classroom and corridor undertaken during the 2017 summer holidays.
The project, which reached completion in early September, has been commended by staff, children and pupils alike, with eight-year-old Emaan Khan commenting: “I think it’s really good, it’s much bigger and better! I really like my classroom and I think I will learn better because the building is quieter with the new doors and windows. I think the teachers are happy, too!”
Headteacher Nina Capek added: “We are already seeing that the improved environment is having a positive effect on everyone, particularly with regards to teaching and learning.
“The new classrooms have vastly improved our previous problems of sound travelling through the building, now we have wonderfully quiet and calm corridors and each classroom is carefully designed to optimise its use for the children.
“Lessons can now be far more exciting as we no longer need to worry about lack of space or disturbing the other classes. We are all very excited about the future at Haddon and both the staff and pupils will thrive in the new building and learning spaces. Now we can really start to dream big and aim high!”
Pete Woods, construction director at J Tomlinson, who were responsible for carrying out work on the school, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Haddon Primary School and to oversee the school’s considerable transformation over the past twelve months. We are particularly heartened to see what the refurbishment works means to pupils and staff; it’s great to hear how the learning environment has flourished across the school.
He added: “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Flying High Trust.”
