£40,000 facelift at Loreto Prep as school returns

22 Sep 2020 10:48

Published by: Scott Callan

Loreto Preparatory School used lockdown to upgrade, with the girls coming back to a brand new Early Years Wing.

The faith school on Dunham Road spent £40,000 on transforming classrooms for its three early years classes: The Ducklings aged 3 to 4, Reception aged 4 to 5 and Year One aged 5 to 6.

The renovation includes installing new multi-media facilities, furniture and play equipment while also developing a new music suite and chapel at the heart of the school, as well as painting and decorating.

Loreto Prep Headteacher Anne Roberts said: "It's lighter, brighter and better resourced and the girls are enthralled to be back and enjoying their learning again."

"Happily it also allows us to maintain our separate bubbles for Covid safety for Early Years, the Middle school and the older girls. "

"The new music suite also means the school's acclaimed and increasingly popular choir, 25 piece orchestra and many and varied groups and ensembles can rehearse and perform to their heart's content once Covid rules allow" added Mrs Roberts.

The project was part funded by The Loreto Parents' Association who were busy all last year planning a whole range of social and in school events and are hoping for a return to normal fundraising activities as soon as is allowed.

Mrs Roberts added: "It's fantastic to be back. We originally opened on June 2nd to the government nominated year groups and then opened for all girls for three weeks before the summer break.

"We have returned to the new school year with a 100 per cent turn out and it's wonderful to see the girls so happy and ready tolearn."

Mrs Roberts concluded with a smile: "The young girls are extremely adaptable and keep us on our toes regarding social distancing and hand sanitising."