12 November 2008
Press Release Number: PR154
A time capsule
containing some of the schools most significant memorabilia is to
be buried in the school grounds to mark the official opening of
Cranbrook Primary School in Ilford which took place on Wednesday 12
November.
The time capsule will be brimming with sound recordings of the
children, photographs, children's work, a school uniform and
children's thoughts and predictions for the future and will be
opened in 50 years time giving a slice of history to whoever
discovers it!
Cllr Mrs Loraine Sladden, Redbridge Mayor, joined Cllr Michael
Stark, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Linda Chesworth,
Cranbrook Primary Headteacher, and Kevin Young, Chair of Governors,
to unveil a plaque to mark the official opening.
Cllr Sladden said, "It has been a major priority for the Council
to develop this flagship school in Ilford for the benefit of the
local community and their children.
"This is a modern school but is not just here for the delivery
of primary education, but it will be, and is already becoming, a
centre of community involvement through its Children's Centre. We
will also be building on this with further community use offering
education and health facilities."
The four form entry primary school in The Drive is a
state-of-the-art building with modern teaching and learning
facilities.
Linda Chesworth, Headteacher of the school said, "What an
exciting opportunity this has been for everyone involved. I am very
proud to be the Headteacher at Cranbrook School and a part of this
whole project. It has been an enormous challenge and the most
rewarding aspects have been working with such wonderful and happy
children and such a committed governing body."
It will eventually cater for 840 primary pupils and boasts a
nursery and Children's Centre for 0 to five-year-olds which offers
integrated early years education with childcare. The Children's
Centre also provides family support and child and health
services.It currently offers 18 different services including a
child health clinic, ESOL classes and an under five's story and
rhyme group.
Other facilities include purpose-designed areas for play, sports
and recreation and quiet reflection. There is also a dance
studio.
Work started on the £13 million school in October 2006 and the
school opened its doors to 142 pupils in September 2007 in
temporary accommodation. Children and staff moved into the new
building just in time for September 2008.
However it is yet to be completed and once building works finish
the local community will benefit from a host of facilities
including sports areas, dedicated adult changing rooms as well as
other rooms to let such as meeting rooms and a community hall.
Cllr Michael Stark, said, "This is the second brand new primary
school to be opened by the Borough in recent years and represents a
new era in the education of primary aged children as well as being
a centre for the whole community."
Pupil quotes:
"I like the dance studio the best because it is very unique and
other schools do not have them. I love learning here."
Aashna, Year 3
"Cranbrook is a very nice school and we have a special dance
room. The teachers are very good and the learning is fun."
Subhan, Year 3
"I love this school and we do lots of fun activities and have
nice school lunches. I like the group learning rooms. I like the
playground best because of the plants and the play areas."
Mustafa, Year 3