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Youngsters at Haggonfields Primary School are enjoying new facilities after turning a disused building into a new Early Years Centre.

Staff say they are grateful for the opportunity to repurpose the centre, which is alongside the primary school, into a fantastic learning environment for its younger children.

Elaine Grierson, co-head of school and early years lead at Haggonfields Primary School, in Rhodesia, said: “It was fantastic when we heard that the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) building was accessible for our use.

"We were eager to transform the building into a facility to meet the needs of the pupils at Haggonfields.

Haggonfields Primary School children are thriving in their new Early Years Centre

"Following a lot of hands on work over the school holidays we are delighted that pupils are now able to access a free flow indoor outdoor learning environment dedicated to their needs.”

The new centre offers classroom space, outdoor play and a woodland area, and enhances opportunities for staff to tailor support for every child.

Elaine said: “The outdoors offers so much potential, and staff have enhanced the curriculum to engage interest and exploration, in generously spaced surroundings.

"There are still areas that can be developed, but already pupils are showing their ownership and are keen to take responsibility for the care of the environment.”

Children are learning, developing, and having fun at Haggonfields new Early Years Centre

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Jane Godley, head of school, says pupils are thriving in their new space.

She said: “Walking into the building you see that pupils are all learning purposefully and enjoying new opportunities, including their interactive physical area which promotes problem solving and creative thinking.

"They love the larger and more developed water area too.

“We are thrilled at the expansion of our EYFS, but we do see this as only the beginning of our journey. There is now more opportunity to expand the involvement of the community in school and get to know those who are new to the school before starting.

"We are so proud of the centre and would welcome families to take a look at the transformation for themselves and see children learning and thriving in their new and richly resourced environment.”

The new centre has also freed up space in the school for older year groups, who have also seen a transformation in their own classrooms.

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