The first ‘pre-completion’ tours of new £8.2million Broadacre primary school were held last week (Thursday 10th and Friday 11th Feb) ahead of pupils moving in this spring.
The Leader of the Council, Portfolio Holder and other key Council members came along for a ‘first-look’ at the new school, along with members of the Humber Education Trust, School Governing Bodies, Broadacre staff, and the Goodwin Development Trust. One of Goodwin Trust’s learners has been involved in this project from the start. He took part in steel signing, drawing caricatures of the site team and inspiring the team to educate all sub-contractors on Autism, not only as part of Autism Awareness Week, but as standard in all site inductions throughout the duration of the project.
The completion of the school provides an additional 210 places to that of the old building, bringing capacity up to 630 pupil places. It incorporates a 10-place purpose-built space for children with Autistic Spectrum Condition, as well as a 52-place nursery, and enhanced external spaces and teaching areas, including a fenced multi-use games area.
The ASC is Hull’s first purpose-built space within a school, with a lot of the specialist teaching being dispersed in different locations across Hull. This now means Broadacre Primary School can finally have a dedicated teacher in this area. Caroline said:
“This is just the best space and it’s going to transform the way we teach; you couldn’t imagine anything better really. 10 children with autism will have their own space in here, but it also gives us the opportunity to blend their learning with the rest of the pupils. It’s so exciting, and it’ll be such a unique, inclusive space to teach in.”
Children and staff at Broadacre have worked closely with Esteem Consortium and Sewell Construction, who have delivered the project. Every class completed a mini project on Autism to learn more about the condition during World Autism Awareness Week, children waved flags to celebrate the “topping out” when the build reached its highest point last summer, and special guest mascot, Roary the Tiger joined pupils and staff to celebrate the opening of the multi-use games area for a day of sporting activities.
Councillor Shane McMurray, Portfolio Holder for children’s services said: “Not only does this new build provide a fantastic environment for local children, but I’m pleased that it offers purpose-built provision for children with autism.
“This school is part of the council’s wider investment of £50milion into the city’s schools, to ensure children have the best learning environments possible, and this school will provide just that.”
Lisa Staines, Executive Head at Broadacre Primary School added: “Staff and pupils have been involved throughout the process and everyone has really enjoyed watching the building progress, as well as being involved in key milestones. We are now very excited to move in and enjoy the school!”
The school has been designed and built sustainably, with maximum energy efficiency, including solar panels on the roof and electric vehicle charging points. The children will also enjoy bug hotels and bird boxes around the school, along with CCTV in one of the boxes so children can see first-hand wildlife interactions.
Esteem General Manager, Gavin Barley, added: “Working with Hull City Council and Sewell Construction on this project has been a pleasure. The process instils such a sense of pride in the whole team, especially when we see the excited faces of those it means the most to – the pupils.”