A YEAR after opening from Redhouse Community Centre Tadpole Farm Primary School is finally settling its purpose-built site in Greene Street.

The modern new complex took 12 months to build, and can house 420 pupils and comes complete with nature centre, sensory garden and large scale mural designed to stretch north Swindon children’s minds as they develop into young citizens.

Despite some teething issues, including questionable WiFi access and delays in landline telephone connections, pupils are settling well in what promises to be a creative educational hub.

Head teacher Jane Leo said: “The children and families who joined our new school community this September have already settled in well and the community feeling is strong and vibrant.

“It has been an absolute joy to see the school filling with children and to hear their happy voices resounding along the corridors and learning burrows.”

Youngsters also have an exciting line up of extra curricular activities they can take part in, including weekly drama sessions with Aaron, who works for the Sixth Sense Theatre company. There are also opportunities to learn African drumming from the Swindon Music Service, and try out Forest School with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

There are also clubs for dance, football, art, construction, multi-skills, cooking, drama and film most weekdays after school.

Mrs Leo said the school’s new ethos was that of a garden village designed to teach them skills to be environmentally friendly.

“Ultimately, we want them to have a respect for their environment, and this is the perfect way to do it,” she said.

“There will be a sensory garden in which they will be able to hear insects, feel different types of grass and taste different types of fruit and vegetables.

“It’s gives them an awareness of where their food is coming from.

“For me, the main thing about this school is its place at the heart of the community.”

Contractors moved on to the new site on August 4 last year and building was complete ahead of the new school term.

Mrs Leo said: “The first time all the staff and I saw it, we thought it was really big.

“It’s really created a buzz of excitement, people are having lots of ideas about how they want to use the space."

School

Name: Tadpole Farm CE Primary Academy

Address: Greene Street, Tadpole Garden Village, Blunsdon, Swindon, SN25 2QS

Telephone: 07733 264202

Headteacher: Mrs Jane Leo

Chairman of Governors: Phil Ashby

Uniform: Blue cardigan or jumper, white shirt or polo shirt, grey trousers or skirt, blue and white check summer dress.