Investment at Dewsbury school provides new classrooms and playground

New learning facilities are top of the class at Dewsbury primary school.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

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, in Princess Road, 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Matthew Carbutt, Principal at Orchard Primary Academy, said: “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.

Investment at Dewsbury school provides new classrooms and playgroundInvestment at Dewsbury school provides new classrooms and playground
Investment at Dewsbury school provides new classrooms and playground

"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're 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The project involved a full renovation of an existing building which had fallen into disrepair and was unsuitable as a learning base.

Investment at Dewsbury school provides new classrooms and playgroundInvestment at Dewsbury school provides new classrooms and playground
Investment at Dewsbury school provides new classrooms and playground

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 response to the new facilities has been overwhelmingly positive from teaching staff, parents and pupils," said Mr Carbutt.

"I’d like to give my thanks to the team at South Pennines Academies for supporting this project.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"There's an incredible buzz about the place which is wonderful to see and worth every penny of the investment that has made this possible.”

Orchard Primary Academy, in Princess RoadOrchard Primary Academy, in Princess Road
Orchard Primary Academy, in Princess Road

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.

Related topics: