£4.6m new school opens

YOUNGSTERS were feeling top of the class as their new multi-million pound school officially opened its doors.The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Shaukat Ali, joined staff and pupils at Canklow Woods Primary School  to unveil the £4.6 million facility w

YOUNGSTERS were feeling top of the class as their new multi-million pound school officially opened its doors.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Shaukat Ali, joined staff and pupils at Canklow Woods Primary School  to unveil the £4.6 million facility which sits alongside the existing buildings.

He said: "This new school combines some fantastic learning spaces and the latest environmental technology and will really provide an exciting new facility for everyone to enjoy.

"Our thanks must go to everyone involved for their hard work, commitment and the patience through its construction."

The new school features a foundation stage unit, two infant classrooms, four junior classrooms, a hall, kitchen and dining area. Pupils will also benefit from an ICT resource area, library, multi-purpose room, community area as well as an outdoor amphitheatre.

The building also includes a number of environmental features including an eco roof, biomass boiler and thermal mass wall with a wind turbine on its way soon.

Executive headteacher John Henderson, said: "Our new school has given us excellent facilities for the provision of 21st century teaching and learning for all primary school children in Canklow. 

"We have already seen an improvement in the end of key stage results and attendance. 

"We want every child to succeed and reach their full potential and the children and staff enjoy coming to our new school. 

"We want Canklow Woods Primary School to impact on the children and community and we want Canklow to be the best."

The new school has been designed by the Rotherham Construction Partnership and built by Mansell.

It was partly financed through a successful funding bid to the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Cllr Shaun Wright, cabinet member for Children and Young People's Services, added: "This marks another step along the way of the borough's journey to revolutionise school environments.

"The council, its partners and all schools, are committed to working together to provide state-of-the-art facilities so that all communities can enjoy the same benefits that those who have already had new schools have experienced."