Community Life

Cranbrook Primary School in South Ilford has been built to cater for 840 pupils.

The new building has been planned to incorporate modern teaching techniques and learning within its design.

The school's features include integrated indoor and outdoor classrooms, visually stimulating colour schemes and special areas devoted to play, sports or quiet time.

Dedicated IT suites and a dance studio have also been added to assist pupils with their education.

Redbridge Mayor, Cllr Loraine Sladden.

Not just a school

The school was built with space for childcare and family services and is the first of its kind to open in the borough.

A Children's and Family Centre will offer nursery education, a child health care clinic and family educational classes all under one roof.

Mayor and Cllr Loraine Sladden described the school as 'a flagship of modern, innovative education' and complimented the designers of the school building for succeeding in getting the 'feel good factor' just right.

Mustafa, a Year 3 pupils at the school said: "I love this school and we do lots of fun activities....

"I like the playground best because of the plants and the play areas."

Classmate Aashna said: "I like the dance studio the best because it is very unique and other schools do not have them."

Delighted

Headteacher Linda Chesworth, said:"I am delighted to finally open the school formally. It has been a great challenge for everyone to get this far and I feel very proud on this special day.

"There are lots of features that we are very excited about. We are particularly pleased with our dance studio, our outdoor decking area on the second floor, the wildlife garden and being in a green space.

"Children adore their new school and they are so proud to come to Cranbrook School. They already feel a strong sense of identity with the school.

"Our aim is that every child enjoys school and is excited by the learning opportunities available here."

Tell me what you think about Cranbrook Primary School? Email me: kulwant.sohal@bbc.co.uk