CHILDREN in Nottingham have benefited from an initiative that has created new learning opportunities and developed their skills during a major programme of work to expand a school.
Midlands-based G F Tomlinson has completed a £2.2 million scheme at Fernwood Primary and Nursery School which has created space for 210 extra children through six new classrooms, a breakout space, hall extension and expansion and refurbishment works.
G F Tomlinson has also ‘adopted’ the school, an initiative that has seen pupils engaging in the project through site visits and career talks. It will also see G F Tomlinson continue to support the school for years to come with career talks and facilitating visits to other projects for pupils to learn more about the construction industry.
Mandy Austin, executive head teacher at the school, said the children had really engaged in the opportunities the Adopt a School initiative has brought to the school.
“The children have been really excited about their new buildings and have embraced the learning opportunities G F Tomlinson has offered throughout the construction as part of the Adopt a School scheme such as interactive health and safety assemblies, site visits and construction activities,” said Mandy.
“We’re really pleased the work has now been completed which will have a significant impact on our local community. Thanks to the increase in space within the halls and additional classrooms, we will be able to accommodate an extra class in each year group – which is fantastic.
“We knew there were families in our catchment area who couldn’t come to the school and now we can welcome more children every as a result of the new buildings and fantastic refurbishments.”
The £2.2 million project has been delivered for Nottingham City Council, as part of a wider programme of work by the council to provide education within a primary school that is close to home for the children of Nottingham. The project was procured through the empa framework, which is managed by Scape Group, a public sector owned built environment specialist.
Andy Sewards, managing director for G F Tomlinson said: “We’re proud to have delivered this scheme on behalf of Nottingham City Council through the empa framework – one of several school expansions we have delivered across the city.
“By adopting the school onto our dedicated initiative, we have been able to offer additional learning opportunities to the children through a programme of work-based learning activities, guided tours of the construction site.
“As well as building the new facilities we donated materials and have created a sculpture garden for the children to enjoy a new outdoor space and improve the landscaping of the whole school environment.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with the pupils and staff at Fernwood Primary Nursery School to expand the school and create facilities for more people in the local area.”
Ian Towlson, regional frameworks manager for Scape Procure added: “Lack of school provision is an issue affecting local authorities all over the country. Our partners, like G F Tomlinson, are experts in education helping to increase space through new build and innovative expansions. I’m confident the new facility at Fernwood Primary and Nursery School will provide a fantastic learning environment for years to come.”
Cllr Sam Webster, Portfolio Holder for Business, Education and Skills at the City Council, said: “The council’s expansion strategy will ensure that every child and young person has access to the very best facilities in order to help them to succeed and reach their full potential. We must ensure that all children have the opportunity to access high quality teaching and learning.”
The project has delivered high-quality teaching spaces and a hall extension to the Key Stage 1 and Key stage 2 of the school and the new buildings have been designed to a level of energy efficiency and natural ventilation.
The brief, design and planning application was developed and submitted by Nottingham City Council’s internal Major Projects and Design Services teams.
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