Wokingham

Delighted and happy to be under one roof was the message heard loud and clear from pupils at Keep Hatch Primary School in Wokingham on Thursday (February 1) when it was officially opened by Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Angus Ross.

Wokingham Cllr Ross was joined by a number of pupils, headteacher Angela Young, chair of governors Jacqueline Sumpster, building contractors Contract Trading Services (CTS) and the district council’s school development advisor Jim Mathieson, to cut a ribbon outside the new two-storey building before enjoying a tour of the school.

Back in 2003, Keep Hatch infant and junior schools were amalgamated to become an all-through primary school serving children aged from four to 11 years. Keen for all the current 299 pupils to be under one roof, the district council invested £2.5million in constructing the two-storey extension comprising an ICT suite, classrooms and large sports hall.

The former Wokingham junior school building was also refurbished and pupils can now enjoy their lessons in a newly-renovated music room, food technology room, kiln room and library to name just a few of the areas around the primary school. Construction work started in August 2005 and was completed in December 2006. Pupils were able to watch the building take shape every day whilst at school as well as outside school hours thanks to a live web-cam.

Headteacher Angela Young said: “We are all simply thrilled with our new building. On behalf of the school, I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has been involved in the project. It’s wonderful to think that the local community will be able to enjoy and benefit from the improved learning facilities for many years to come.”

Chair of governors Jacqueline Sumpster added: “Since the build was completed, the staff has worked tirelessly to bring our new school to life, transforming an empty building into a welcoming, vibrant and stimulating learning environment.”

Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Angus Ross said: “It was a real pleasure to tour the school with the headteacher and a number of the pupils who were enthusiastic to show me around. Everyone has worked to enable the school to have first class facilities which already have a good feel.

“I recall seeing the plans of this new building several years ago and I am delighted to now see the project completed and the pupils are benefiting from improved classrooms and equipment. I wish everybody at school the very best for the future.”

Wokingham District Council