Loddon Primary School in Earley is this week celebrating its recent expansion, from a two form to a three form entry, thanks to a £3.8million investment from Wokingham Borough Council.
The work, which started in June 2016 and ended in December 2018, included three new classrooms created from the old school hall, an ICT area, a new MUGA (multi-use games area), car park improvements, refurbishment of existing classrooms, an extension housing a new hall and entrance, staff facilities, and a new soft-play area and canopy.
The project was completed in phases allowing the school to remain open throughout the construction works.
Ceremony
A ceremony took place at the school on Tuesday (January 29) to mark the opening of the new facilities. Year 3 pupils sang ‘Build it High’ before a plaque was unveiled by site manager Neil Harding and the eldest year 6 pupil.
Headteacher Sarah Phillips, chair of governors John Brady and Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr John Kaiser all gave speeches to make the occasion. The ceremony ended with the choir singing ‘A Million Dreams’ before invited guests enjoyed a tour of the school.
Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr John Kaiser said: “By investing in these primary school expansion schemes we’re able to provide additional school places and improve existing facilities for Wokingham Borough families.
“We were able to provide additional places at Loddon Primary School thanks to partnership working with the whole school community. Loddon remained opened during construction and I am very grateful for the school’s cooperation and patience during this time. I hope this expansion will really enhance the children’s learning and the school environment as a whole for the benefit of the school community.”
“We will continue to work across the Borough to make sure there are enough quality primary school places for every child.”
Celebration
Headteacher Sarah Phillips said: ‘’Today is a celebration of everyone’s hard work and determination to offer local school places for the children of the community of Earley.
"We would like to thank our partners at Wokingham Borough Council, Frankhams and Francis Construction for their vision and commitment in creating our beautiful new hall and additional learning spaces. At Loddon Primary we are proud of our Values-Based ethos and community spirit and through our expanded facilities we look forward to welcoming many more of you into our Loddon family.’’
Other existing borough council schools have also been expanded; Beechwood Primary School in Woodley and Highwood Primary in Woodley as part of an overall £8.6million investment from the borough council.
