Sandra Crisp is joined by pupils as she cuts the ribbon
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School replaces building lost to arson
By Tim HarrisJanuary 30, 2012
A SCHOOL in Farnborough has recently opened a new outdoor learning centre, to replace a building burnt down last year by arsonists.
North Farnborough Infant School, on Rectory Road, has unveiled its Discovery Den, which will act as an outdoor learning area for Year 1 pupils.
This new addition to North Farnborough Infants replaces buildings burnt by arsonists in March 2011.
Two fire engines were called out from Rushmoor Fire Station at around 1am, on March 15, when firemen needed hoses and extinguishers to put out the blaze, which left three sheds ‘severely burnt’.
The incinerated buildings contained all the school’s resources and equipment for their outdoor learning, meaning children in Year 1 were unable to experience this part of the curriculum.
Sue Smith, a Year 1 teacher at North Farnborough Infants, said: “It is fantastic. It has been nearly a year since we have been able to use the outside environment in the way that we wanted to. We lost all our equipment [in the fire], and that has now been replaced and we have got the opportunity to use it. It is great, we are very happy to have our outside area – we are delighted.”
The new building was opened by Sandra Crisp, the business manager at the school, who was on hand to cut the blue ribbon. Children wrote to Mrs Crisp, asking her to perform the official opening with a pair of big scissors – she was the person who attended the school in the middle of the night with the firemen.
A number of parents were also present at the opening, as well as Year 1 pupils.
Ms Smith said the Discovery Den will be a great feature for the children, which will enhance their learning experience.
“It enables us to have a more creative curriculum and build the children’s independent learning,” she said. “It is part of our curriculum – we are promoting the idea that the outside learning environment is important. It is extending their learning opportunity.”
Pupils at the school have already made use of their new facility with a heroes and villains module, using the outside area to learn about science and shadows.
The children have also been using the Discovery Den to act like pirates, and draw maps.
Ms Smith added: “The children love it, they love being outside.”
The arsonists attacked four schools in Farnborough and Aldershot last year in the space of a month. In addition to North Farnborough Infants, St Patrick’s Catholic School, Henry Tyndale School and Belle Vue Infants were all targeted.
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