Former caretaker bungalow reopened as learning space at Garland School
Work to transform the former caretaker's bungalow at Garland Junior School in Burghfield Common is now complete.
The project cost more than £1m and included enhancement works to the roof, windows and doors of the main school.
And £388,000 went towards refurbishing and extending the bungalow to provide a new hub for the pupils.
The project was funded by West Berkshire Council, with a £72,000 contribution from the school.
The bungalow now provides an additional space to accommodate children with social, emotional and mental health needs, two teaching spaces, an office, toilets and an after school club room with a kitchen and external play areas.
And the project features some great environmental aspects too.
The thermal performance of the new roofs and windows has been improved to Building Regulations 2021 standards to reduce the amount of energy required for heating.
The new toilet facilities in the hub building have dual flush water-saving cisterns, while the wash basins have sensor flow taps to reduce water usage.
Externally, the hub has bat boxes incorporated into the south wall, a water butt to harvest rainwater for the school garden, compost bins for re-cycling and meadow grass to assist biodiversity.
West Berkshire Council's executive member for education, children and young people Dominic Boeck said: "This is a wonderful transformation. I'm so pleased that we were able to utilise the former bungalow to create so much extra learning space.
"The new spaces will be of immeasurable benefit to both staff and children at Garland."
Headteacher Emily Dawkins added: "This resource is an invaluable development for Garland Junior School.
"It offers pupils additional spaces to support their learning, mental health and well-being, as well as a bespoke space to learn practical aspects of the curriculum such as cookery and music.
"We have already seen pupils increasing their sense of confidence and self-worth through accessing this facility."
The school is considering further ideas to extend its support offering over the coming months.
