SCHOOLS within the BMAT family have been given a spruce-up over the summer months.

The work – totalling more than £700,000 – has seen tired and outdated facilities refurbished or replaced to ensure they are fit for today’s learning.

Work completed includes –  

• an outdoor canopy at Magna Carta Primary Academy, in Stansted, to create a covered learning space where children can learn in all weathers
• the installation of a ramp and refurbishment of the Year 6 building, plus redecoration of the hall at Freshwaters Primary Academy, in Harlow
• refurbishment of the student and staff toilets at Royal Docks Academy, in Newham
• an outdoor canopy at Royal Docks Academy PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties) unit, in Newham, to create a covered learning space to help students to manage their behaviour 
• a new hall floor at Little Parndon Primary Academy, in Harlow
• the replacement of broken floodlights at Epping St John’s Church of England School, in Epping, to benefit students and community groups which rent the facilities
• the refurbishment of the sports hall floor at Epping St John’s Church of England School, in Epping
• a refresh of classroom furniture at Mark Hall Academy, in Harlow

Lucia Glynn, director of operations and programmes, said: “We carry out this kind of work every summer.

“The work we have completed has seen tired and life-expired classrooms and facilities refurbished, so they are up-to-date for 21^st century learning and today’s curriculums.

“Our schools look better and our students are getting a better experience with improved facilities which are safer and more fit for purpose.

“Some of our school buildings have been standing for quite some time – Royal Docks, for example, was built in 1999 – so they need modernising to cater for the way children learn now.

“At BMAT, we believe every child should be given the same experience, which is why we continue to improve our schools as and when necessary.