A group of children made their mark on their new school building in a ceremony in Hove this afternoon (Friday 18 May).
Watched by the new mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Dee Simson, pupils from each class at West Blatchington Primary School signed a steel beam.
The mayor – on her first public engagement since taking office – also signed her name.
The children then watched, along with their friends and the school’s staff and governors, as builders from the contractor Kier lifted the beam into place with a crane.
The pupils who signed the steel were chosen in a competition. They designed their ideal playground and had to tell the school why they wanted to attend the ceremony.
One year 3 pupil, Robyn, said: “I would like to be part of the building ceremony because I think it would be amazing that as long as the school stands my name will be in it.”
Zach, a year 1 pupil, said: “I want to go to the building ceremony because I would like to meet everybody who is building and tell them they are doing a great job. I hope you like all of my ideas and I can’t wait to see the new building and playground.”
And the competition entry from another year 3 pupil, Macie, said: “So I can go to see the field and see what the new school looks like and eat food in the afternoon. I love food and when it is a school day you don’t get to eat food in the afternoon.”
As well as the chance for a chomp, the children were able to see how quickly their new school building is taking shape, with work having started less than six months ago.
And a few yards away they could see work on the new home for the King’s School also well under way.
A year 4 student, Jess, said: “It is a special moment for our new school.”
Head teacher Rachel Simmonds said: “I am very proud of our school community and its achievements.
“The new building will enable us to be at the forefront in providing the highest quality education and opportunities for both pupils and the wider community.”
Philip Worsfold, who chairs of the school’s governing body, said: “The new building means state-of-the-art facilities for current and future pupils at West Blatchington to help them thrive.
“It is a very exciting moment for the whole school community.”
Building works at the school is due to be completed next spring, with the school planning to move into its new home during the Easter 2019 holidays.
A great deal of thought has been given to how the new building can help with the school’s specialisms – reading, music and physical education (PE).
Even during construction, the gardening, wildlife and “eco” focus has continued.
And the school said: “One of the greatest benefits to children and staff will be that all children will be housed in the same block, including the nursery and the Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) Unit.
“Over recent years there have been a number of temporary huts, while classes have been spread across the infant and junior buildings.”
Staff praised Kier for the way that they have engaged with the children, answering their questions and explaining what’s happening during the big building project.
The much-loved old 1950s building is due to be demolished once the replacement building has opened.
