We’re in the paper: Official Opening

Following the official opening of the school this week, we are in the Romford Recorder again! That now makes three weeks in a row. Madam Mayor was extremely complimentary about our school describing it as the happiest school she has ever visited. Your children were the stars of the show. Their positive attitudes to learning, politeness and enthusiasm were as infectious as ever. We are already full for Reception 2013 and our school now has a considerable waiting list. Of course that isn’t much of a surprise. Who wouldn’t want to go to the best school on the Hill?

Broadford pupils welcomed the Mayor to their school this week for an official opening ceremony. After being greeted by the School Council and representatives from each of the classes, Councillor Lynden Thorpe cut the ribbon to open the £4.5 million newly built school. Although parts of the project were available for pupils to use from October 2011, the new Nursery and Reception classrooms were only finished in December. Since then Broadford have embarked on an ambitious plan to transform the outdoor area for the Early Years children. This element was completed and handed over to the school at the start of the Summer term. In the garden area children can climb up to view the school grounds from their tree house, dig for treasure in the giant sandpit, develop their musical skills in the soundgarden or just roll down the astro turf hill. With places to run, hide, crawl and slide the garden has something for everyone!

'For our pupils, parents and staff it has felt like a very long time for this project to be completed. However the wait has been worth it. Our pupils will now benefit from the significant investment that has been made by the Local Authority to improve the life chances of children who live Harold Hill.' Gill Gordon - Chair of Governors.

Broadford have been supported by L&Q Housing - who have generously donated £4,500 to complete the tree house feature in the Early Years garden. The L&Q Housing Association have chosen the Broadford outdoor learning area as their community project of the year.

'We are delighted to have been able to support such a wonderful community project. These outstanding facilities will transform the children's experience and we are proud to be working in partnership with a school so committed to raising standards for its children' - Stuart Norman L&Q Housing Association

Once the ribbons had been cut, Madam Mayor was able to explore the Early Years garden and take a tour of the school's stunning facilities. It was noted that the work is not yet finished. In the next few weeks a new classroom will be completed for the Key Stage 1 children so that class numbers can be lowered. A giant sandpit is also being constructed for the Year 1 children. Work is also due to commence this month on removing the old school building so that the grounds can be relandscaped and the area put to better use for the whole community.

'The school really is state of the art. The pupils and council should be rightly proud of the wonderful learning environment they have created' - Madam Mayor