Pre-schoolers at Broughton in Furness CE Primary School have been enjoying a new, accessible extension to the main school building, following an £875,000 investment to upgrade the nursery facilities.

The works were funded by Westmorland and Furness Council and began with the removal of a dilapidated portacabin style nursery building that was no longer fit for purpose.

In its place a new nursery facility has been constructed, which provides a dedicated secure entrance, new staff and pupil toilets, an open plan nursery space with baby change area and training kitchen, suitable for use by smaller children.

Glazing has been used in key locations to create a bright open area with links to the outer spaces that brings in an abundance of natural light. Externally, there is an elevated play space at the rear of the building, with views out over the adjoining countryside and access to the existing play area, which was also refurbished by the school.

Internal and external access to the main school has also been improved by setting the new building at a higher level than the previous one.  The extension is linked to the existing building via a corridor, that also includes new children’s toilets, which can be used by the adjacent classroom.  A platform lift has also been installed, to facilitate access to the rear play area for all staff and children.

Alongside the nursery extension works, there has also been a programme of upgrades to the existing school building, replacing outdated electrical installations to improve efficiencies.

Anthony Costa, Headteacher at Broughton-in-Furness CE Primary and Nursery School said:

“We are very proud of our nursery, which provides the young children of Broughton and the surrounding villages with high quality early years education in a greatly improved, exciting and stimulating environment.

“The new access, which puts all facilities on one level, has helped to make the nursery feel part of the whole school and will aid the integration of our nursery children as they transition into the main school.”

Cllr Sue Sanderson, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said:

“As a council, our aim is to make our education settings the best they can be so staff and pupils can enjoy learning in modern, welcoming and comfortable environments. This is important from these early years and right throughout the development of our young people as they progress through their school life, so to see that goal come to fruition in Broughton in Furness is fantastic.

“It’s been lovely to see such happy faces playing and developing in their new space; it really makes these types of investment worthwhile.”