New Learning Facilities Are Top Of The Class At Dewsbury Primary School

A Dewsbury primary school is laying the foundations for future excellence after completing extensive redevelopment works and the building of new school facilities, improving the long term educational opportunities for local youngsters.

Orchard Primary Academy has opened its new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) classroom and playground for pupils aged two to five years following £140k of investment in the building project which began in September last year.

The project involved a full renovation of an existing building which had fallen into disrepair and was unsuitable as a learning base. The rebuild included the laying of new floors together with the installation of new lighting, toilet facilities, sink areas, interactive teaching screens, painting of the full interior, complete redesign and layout of new classrooms and a total redevelopment of the playground facilities to incorporate new climbing areas, work surfaces and fixed play equipment.

The project was funded by a combination of school funds specifically set aside to cover the project, together with £50,000 of capital funds provided by South Pennines Academies. Local law firm, Minster Law, generously donated £4,000 for state-of-the-art interactive screens to be installed in each classroom.

At the heart of the Chickenley community, Orchard Primary Academy is a vibrant school where staff are fully committed to changing the fortunes for the children and families that it serves. The Academy, under the guidance of South Pennie Academies, has been on a journey of improvement in the last three years and continues to strive for excellence in all areas.

Mr Matthew Carbutt, Principal at Orchard Primary Academy, commented: “I’m immensely proud that we have this dedicated EYFS facility up and running, which is already providing such a valuable learning resource to our pupils. It will give our children the best possible start to their education which is a key priority here at our school. As children now join us as two-year-olds, we are able to provide the best and most stimulating educational environment possible both inside and out. The children have access to new teaching areas and the best technology making their complete learning experience all the more enjoyable.

“The response to the new facilities has been overwhelmingly positive from teaching staff, parents and pupils. I’d like to give my thanks to the team at South Pennines Academies for supporting this project. There is an incredible buzz about the place which is wonderful to see and worth every penny of the investment that has made this possible.”