14 Spring 2019
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LODDON PRIMARY SCHOOL Pupils at Loddon Primary in Earley performed to VIP guests at the official ceremony marking the completion of our £3.8million expansion of this popular primary, from a two to a three form entry. The work included a new MUGA (multi-use games area), car park improvements, an extension housing a new hall and entrance, staff facilities, and three new classrooms created from the old school hall. As with Highwood Primary, on this page, the project was completed in phases allowing the school to remain open throughout.
Internships that work Highwood Primary School expansion After 18 months of construction, pupils and staff at Highwood Primary School in Woodley are now enjoying a state-of-the-art building. Our £3.25million expansion has increased the school’s capacity from one class to two classes in each year group, as well as doubled its nursery provision. With an increased intake in the Foundation Stage each year, the school will be up to full pupil numbers by 2024. This project was completed in phases, so the school could remain open throughout, and the work has transformed the internal and external look of the building. The new and improved facilities include a new entrance, increased capacity in the main hall, additional small group teaching spaces, a medical room, and a purpose built learning area for the children attending Highwood’s Developmental Language Delay Unit.
Executive View Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, Executive Member for Children’s Services “The Association of School and College Leaders say we are ‘guardians of the UK’s children and young people, charged with the responsibility to prepare them to take their place as citizens in a complex world.’ As a teacher myself for 32 years, I know what a real and genuine commitment this is, and what energy and effort it takes to do the job well.”
Students from Addington School, which caters for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), will soon be joining us for work placements under the new WORKingham Supported Internship Programme. We’ll be working with Addington’s Routes to Work team to provide opportunities for SEND students to gain invaluable life skills, helping them to secure paid employment as adults. Nationally, more than 90% of people with learning difficulties remain unemployed. So Addington has been working with employers for several years to offer quality vocational training and employment opportunities for young people with SEND. This has also raised awareness among local employers about the government’s workplace Disability Confident scheme. The WORKingham programme with Addington is due to launch this September.
