Official opening of Kings Oak Primary Learning Centre

REMAKING Learning  a major council initiative to provide Barnsley people with a modern, accessible and inclusive education system  took a major step forward today (Monday) with the official opening of the first of 13 new primary learning centres and primary schools.

Children, teachers, parents, governors, council officials and building construction partners celebrated the official opening of Kings Oak Primary Learning Centre at Wombwell with a ribbon-cutting ceremony preceded by the release of 368 balloons  one for each pupil. Prizes will be awarded to the three pupils whose balloons travel the farthest distance.

Watched by Headteacher Alison Wilks, Gerry Hanson, General Manager of Modern Schools Barnsley, representatives from construction firm Carillion, governors and Education Service officials, Borough Mayor Cllr Margaret Morgan unveiled a commemorative plaque before taking a tour of the new building with schools council members.

Mrs Wilks said: The building certainly helps create a wonderful environment, conducive to learning. When we opened our doors for the first time to our learners earlier this month, the children and families were in awe of the beautiful building and commented on how wonderful and fortunate we were to receive such a fabulous school.

I personally feel very privileged to be the head of this learning centre and aim to provide quality learning for life.

Cabinet spokesperson for Childrens Services, Cllr Linda Burgess, said the official opening demonstrated Barnsley Councils commitment to ensuring the boroughs children, young people and adult learners benefited from high-quality educational facilities.

I am absolutely delighted to see the culmination of several years hard work by the council, governors and staff at Kings Oak and our construction partners, Carillion, she said. The opening of these 21^st century learning facilities for pupils and the wider community of Wombwell is key to our long-term education improvement programme in Barnsley.

The 13 primary learning centres and primary schools are being built by Carillion. Other primary learning centres and primary schools set to open in the coming weeks under phase one are High View, Wombwell Park Street, Darfield Valley and Littleworth Grange.

Two further phases of openings are planned for spring and autumn 2007. These state-of-the-art primary learning centres and primary schools will deliver 21^st century learning facilities as part of the councils Remaking Learning agenda.

Barnsley pupils will benefit from a modern education environment while the wider community will have opportunities for family learning and better childcare.

Carillion regional director Adrian Mole said: The successful delivery of these schools has been helped immensely by our good working relationships with the schools and Barnsley Council. These are exemplar primary schools that will be fundamental in transforming education in Barnsley.

ENDS