On Friday 11 June, Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, visited St Michael’s Primary to see the results of their 2.7 million pound renovation of the original 1950’s block. This refurbishment was funded by a capital grant from the Department for Education. St Michael’s, on the Dee Road in Tilehurst, began the renovation project back in August 2019, which was then completed during lockdown.

During his visit, Alok was able to view the outside of the school and learn about all of the changes that had taken place including – a new heating system, replacement windows, insulation, new doors, lighting, new servers and broadband across the school.

This refurbishment has enabled the school to maximise the learning opportunities for the children and to also create an inclusion space. The school and PTA have also added to the school grounds by creating two new playground climbing frames, adaptations to the EYFS playground and also a field pavilion.

As part of the visit, Alok, following social distancing guidelines, got to meet staff and governors and also a number of the school pupils. Mrs Parietti, headteacher stated:

“We are absolutely thrilled with the final result. We worked very closely with Alok, the Department for Education, Reading Borough Council, Hampshire County Council and EW Beard Ltd, the developers, to ensure that the project fulfilled all of the school needs. Our shared vision, ‘Together we achieve’ is embedded within the fabric of this building and will give the children the best possible start to school life.”

Alok said:

“Having helped to initiate discussion between St Michael’s and the Department for Education about the building project in 2018, I was delighted to finally see the finished refurbishment. It was great to meet with Mrs Parietti and her team again and to receive a tour of the school. The children were very engaged and understandably happy to be back at school again!”

Photos

1: (L to R) Jo Day, School Business Manager; Jon Kilbane, Deputy Head; Alok Sharma MP; Kate Parietti, Headteacher; Phil Knox-Roberts, Governor; Margaret Fletcher, Chair of Governors

2: Alok with pupils from Year 6

3: Alok with pupils in reception playground