THE Mayor of Frome, Anita Collier, opened the new Haven building at a school in Frome this month.

The recently refurbished building at Hayesdown First School is used for breakfast club, after school club, small group learning and ‘sunflower’ nurture provision. It had not been refurbished since 1973, so the school bid for funding from the Government and received £100,000 for roof refurbishments.

Headteacher Julia Battersby said: “We were delighted that after many years of trying to gain funding we were finally successful and could ensure that the building was brought up to the same high standard as the rest of the school.

“It has been an exciting project and the children have benefited greatly from the refurbished learning space.”

The internal space had a makeover thanks to £25,000 from the Governors of the school, which meant the Haven had new carpets, Wi-Fi, storage, lighting, refitted toilets and more.

Mrs Collier had a guided tour of the building on December 10 and cut the ribbon and to officially open the Haven.

“I have been associated with the school for a long time as my children came here and now my grandchildren attend the school," added Mrs Collier.

"It is good to see that government money is being spent so well to improve the educational provision for children at Hayesdown First School. It is clear to see that the children are thriving."

The ran a competition for the children to choose a name for the building. The winning name was the Haven, chosen by a Year 4 pupil, Faigh.