School celebrates a very special day

4:40pm Thursday 17th July 2008

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THE doors to a new Herefordshire school were due to be officially opened tonight (Thursday).

Sutton Community Primary School, which can take 90 pupils, has cost more than £2 million and was designed in consultation with the school and community.

Plans are in place to surround a full size football pitch with a range of eco-zones including a conservation area, outdoor play area, orchard, sensory garden and wildflower area.

Madeleine Phillips, a 10-year-old pupil, said: “When I first saw the school I thought, wow, it’s really good, there’s lots of space and great play areas we can play in. The design technology area is my favourite because it’s got lots of arty things in it which I love.”

School head Paul Whitcombe said: “There is something very special about this school and we are grateful to Hereford-shire Council for designing and funding the building, and to our PTA and sponsors for their generosity in helping us provide much of the equipment.

“Our children have been very much part of the planning of the new school. They have chosen furniture, discussed colour schemes and helped to plan the outdoor area.

“We are now looking at taking advantage of the new building by exploring opportunities beyond the curriculum like extending our healthy breakfast club, providing full care for nought to 11-year-olds and growing our own vegetables.”

Included in the scheme is a village hall and joint-use area partly funded by a £200,000 contribution from the parish council.

Seven trees will be planted by seven people who have a strong relationship with the school.