Mayor and MP officially open renovated classroom for youngest pupils at Trinity school

Trinity School’s new intake of pupils into their EYFS setting for 4 and 5 year olds have benefitted this year from a setting that has seen considerable planning and investment over the summer. The revamped space was officially opened by MP, Freddie Van Mierlo, Mayor, Cllr. Ian Reissmann and head students Noah and Lisa, this week.

The plan for the changes came from Reception class teacher and EYFS lead, Christina Leppard who took inspiration from her 10 years of teaching in Norway. She explained that the aim was to provide a calm, child-led learning environment that brought the outdoors in, creating a room that flowed and enabled the children to be independent learners.

The plans for the space were begun last February and by Easter, they were well underway. A bid was submitted to Henley Municipal Charity to support the funding needed, along with monetary input from FOTS (Friends of Trinity School).

Over the summer, Mrs Leppard explained how hard her team had worked. “First, after term had finished, we had to clear the space! It was a big job but everyone that helped was amazing. The build team did their bit and then 2 weeks before school was back, we were in again. There was inevitably some problem solving that had to go on, making sure that the functionality was spot on as well as it looking great, but to see it come together and the children using it is amazing. It’s a lovely place to work as the children are really calm and happy.”

As the children enter the building, they walk over the river on the floor. On a normal school day, there are giant moveable trees (that also double as display boards) allowing the feel of entering not a classroom but an enchanted forest. An image of Temple island is straight ahead, a recognisable image tying the school to it’s Henley roots and aiding familiarity. Large, grass-like carpets and toad-stools all add to the sensory feel, with accessible storage at child friendly heights spaced around the room.

Headteacher, Charlotte Whittle, greeted the gathered parents, governors and invited guests, thanking them all for the part they had played in the transformation of the space. Some of the children stood up to show their writing about what they have enjoyed doing in school so far. These included: playing with friends, making cars and singing. The gathered were also treated to two songs: If you’re happy in your new school clap your hands and their harvest favourite, Big, Red, Combine Harvester. Mrs Whittle then went on to give out thank you gifts and commended the staff for the enormous amount of care, energy and enthusiasm that they had put into sorting out the space, before the ribbon was officially cut.

Freddie Van Mierlo said: “It’s wonderful to be invited to come and see what has been going on here. There really isn’t a school that I go to that isn’t struggling for investment, so it’s amazing to see a community come together and create something so special for children when they transition from nursery. To have such a welcoming space is really lovely.”

Henley Mayor Cllr. Ian Reissmann added: “Its great to see all these youngsters getting on together, starting the long process of education and learning but with a lot of play involved too. It’s a wonderful space.”

The success of the classroom area has spurred Mrs Leppard on and she is already planning phase 2…the redevelopment of the outdoor space.