Councillors officially open a new Primary School eco-building

Local Councillors mark the official opening of a new eco-building at Richard Bonington Primary School in Nottingham.

On Tuesday the 20th of March Councillor Sandra Barnes and Councillor Peter Barnes were present at the official opening of the new outdoor classroom; the Rotunda Roundhouse eco-building at Richard Bonington School in Arnold. 

Sandra cut the red ribbon and gave a heartening and memorable speech to the children and parents to celebrate the official opening of the “The Bonington Burrow”, a new woodland classroom which is nestled into their outdoor forest area. This scheme forms part of a new outdoor learning initiative for nursery children attending forest school sessions.  Forest School provision started at Richard Bonington back in 2006 and now the site is well established with many different habitats for the children to explore. 

Research shows that this type of experience is effective in helping children develop a love of learning, whilst helping them develop physically and socially. This rotunda is the central hub of their forest school, providing a nucleus; a warm and cozy eco-building to retreat into for a hot chocolate and a story when the weather turns a bit….. well, British. 

Mrs Suzanne Campbell (Foundation Coordinator) said “we are thrilled that the school can offer such a rich and positive learning experience to our youngest pupils through Forest School. The School management team and Governors recognise what an important investment the building is to enable us to provide 30 hours of education for our 3-4 year olds, which also benefits working parents. Staff and children absolutely love the new learning environment.”

Whilst all children at Richard Bonington have an opportunity to take part in forest school sessions, the additional nursery sessions are a bespoke provision that provides an outdoor learning experience, in most weather conditions, for nursery children.

This opening followed on from an official visit by their local MP For Gedling, Vernon Coaker, also celebrating the successful launch of this inspiring initiative. Vernon Coaker said “ I visited the Richard Bonington Primary School & their successful childcare provision for 3 – 4 year olds, the Forest School gives these children an opportunity to learn in the outdoors. They have a brand new building called the Bonington Burrow – a great place to learn. ‘It was great to see so many happy children, a fantastic facility and a credit to the school and staff involved “

Children walking past the new eco-building at Richard Bonington School

Gemma Roe, the founder of Rotunda Roundhouses Ltd said “We really enjoyed creating this special space for the Richard Bonington School in Arnold. It’s a safe, warm and inclusive environment for the nursery children, built entirely out of British Timber with a wildflower meadow roof for biodiversity. We’re proud to be working with local primary schools and nurseries to create such unique and inspiring outdoor learning spaces.”