Official opening of Wombwell Park Street Primary School

THE LATEST official opening of new primary schools in Barnsley took place today.

Wombwell Park Street Primary School is the third school this week to be officially opened by the Mayor, Cllr Margaret Morgan. It follows Kings Oak and High View, and another, Darfield Valley, takes place next week. All the schools have been built by construction firm, Carillion.

Children, teachers, parents, governors, council officials and building construction partners attended the official opening of the school. A balloon launch and a welcome by headteacher Jo Bentley was followed by a ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling by the Mayor. A tour of the school was then taken, led by members of the school council.

Mrs Bentley said: Already, the new school building has had a substantial impact on the teaching and learning opportunities we are able to provide.  Children really enjoy coming to school and looking after their new environment.  We must prepare our children for life in a global community and, thanks to the new facilities we have at our fingertips, our vision is fast becoming a reality.

Cllr Linda Burgess, Cabinet spokesperson for Childrens Services, said that these are exciting times for education in Barnsley.

Remaking Learning is truly underway, she said. Exam results are improving in the borough and now, with these wonderful, spacious and modern new primary schools and learning centres, children will have a more pleasant and exciting base from which to build on their education.

The feedback from heads, teachers, parents and governors has been tremendously positive, but the feedback I have heard from the children is the most pleasing aspect. They are excited by their new surroundings and are keen to make the best use of them, and this can only be good, not only for their future, but the future of Wombwell and the rest of the borough.

There are 13 primary learning centres and primary schools being built by Carillion. Five  High View, Wombwell Park Street, Kings Oak, Darfield Valley and Littleworth Grange  are already in use.

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."

Two further phases of openings will take place in spring and autumn 2007. These state-of-the-art educational establishments will deliver 21st century learning facilities as part of the councils Remaking Learning agenda, which aims to provide Barnsley people with a modern, accessible and inclusive educational system.

ENDS