A new look for The New School

Pupils and staff at The New School are enjoying new and improved facilities following an extensive refurbishment over the summer holidays.

The New School community returned for the autumn term to find the surroundings at the co-educational prep school for children aged 3-7 had been revitalised.

Three sections of the roof have been replaced and the storm water drainage system has been updated ensuring pupils and staff are warm and dry.

Onsite safety has been improved with a new fire alarm system, fire doors and emergency lighting.

Security around the school has been updated with the addition of an intruder alarm, intercom systems, access-controlled gates and doors.

Every classroom from Nursery to Year 2 has been completely decorated and refurbished with new flooring, new suspended ceilings and lighting, re-plastered and decorated walls, and bright, colourful furniture.

The main hall has new fold out tables for lunchtime, and a new projector screen installation for assemblies.

Each classroom has up-to-date equipment from new desktop computers to improved white boards, age-appropriate furniture and a range of new play and learning resources.

Children are enjoying the much improved outside playing space. There is a brand new playing surface to keep Early Years children safe from knocks and bumps, as well as secure gates and fencing surrounding it. Exciting new play equipment has been installed to swing and climb on, plus a garden room for outdoor learning and individual music lessons.

To reduce the school’s carbon footprint, energy efficient led lighting, insulation and easy to use mixer taps have been installed too.

Head of The New School Daniel Ayling said: “We are all so grateful to the operations team at Exeter School for transforming our beautiful site in just a few short weeks. To have fresh, light and airy new spaces that now match the high standard of our teaching and learning is fantastic for the children and the staff.”

Sienna in Year 2 said: “The new fire doors keep us safe. I like the lunches and the tables are nice to sit at.”

Elliott in Year 2 said: “I like the climbing frame because it’s bigger than the old one. We can make lots of noise in the garden room!”

Olivia in Reception said: “The new chairs are comfy and I like playing in the creative and role play rooms.”

Operations Manager Craig Stewart said it was a pleasure to hand over The New School at the end of the summer holiday after the considerable challenges of the refurbishment works, within the limited time.

“The project would not have been completed without the support of The New School staff and the massive input from the Operations Team and all associated sub-contractors.”