Around 20 children are using the new space daily to gain extra inventions. It has been primarily set up for extra speech and language support, as due to the pandemic, some children are behind in these areas. We also have a communal area where our external professionals can take groups of children, for example, our play therapist.
Mrs Amy Greenwood, the school’s Academy Business Manager said: “With the site manager moving out, the school bungalow was lying dormant and after much discussion, it was agreed to turn it into an intervention space for the school. We are thankful for that Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust that funded this for the school.”
Mr Mathew Tuckwood, Headteacher of Whitefriars Church of England Primary Academy said: “This is a new wonderful learning environment for the children. They love going across to this new learning space. We are hoping to see a significant impact. The pandemic has meant many of the children are behind on their speech and language and key skills. Our needs for the school are ever growing, and the bungalow conversion is extremely beneficial.”
Oliver Burwood, CEO of Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) said: “The academy team has worked extremely hard to put in place this tailored speech and language provision which will really benefit children at Whitefriars Academy. Across the Trust we are putting in more of this type of this specialist provision based on children’s specific needs. This will support Covid recovery as well the ongoing improvement of each academy.”
All of the lighting in the bungalow has been replaced with new LED commercial lighting and the project was completed for under £30k.