The Grass is Greener at Wirral Prep School after Playground Renovation
Prenton Preparatory School, nestled in Oxton’s conservation area, has revealed an extensive multi-year investment programme across the school buildings and grounds. This includes brand-new sports facilities, expanded outdoor learning areas and the introduction of even more technology and the upgrade of a full range of IT equipment for both staff and pupils including interactive touchscreens in all classrooms. The school is also planning to create a state-of-the-art Science, Technology, Engineering Arts and Maths (STEAM) centre. In addition, the current Nursery space will be extended to meet demand and will be enhanced by a bespoke playground and garden.
The independent, excellent-rated, co-ed preparatory school which was established in 1935 was acquired by Forfar Education in 2022. As a long-standing institution in its community educating generations of families, the school is well known for its welcoming atmosphere and for providing an ideal environment for children to thrive in all areas of school life.
Research has shown the behaviour and performance of pupils, as well as staff productivity, is enhanced in schools with better physical spaces, meaning there is a strong case for ongoing investment across all learning environments. This latest cash injection aims to not only enhance Prenton Prep’s estate but also inspire the talent of the future.
So far, renovations have included the installation of an Astroturf playing surface in the playground and a large landscaping programme. This has created a 30% increase in outdoor spaces for the children to explore, allowing for an extended curriculum of outdoor learning.
Headteacher at Prenton Prep, Mike Jones, said: “We’re thrilled to be entering a new era here at the school after we joined the Forfar family and can already see the benefits of being part of a forward-thinking and proactive group of like-minded prep schools.
“We pride ourselves on making sure that we offer the best teaching and learning opportunities for each and every child in our school and it is very important that our facilities and infrastructure keep in pace with the outstanding, engaging and innovative teaching and learning we’re known for.
“The work already completed allows our children to experience a more vibrant and stimulating outdoor environment and to take advantage of our beautiful location as they learn about the world around them.”
The school’s IT infrastructure has also been enhanced to provide a more responsive and adaptable interactive system for all pupils to better aid their learning. New laptops have been introduced for staff to use in the provision of lessons, touchscreens have been installed in all classrooms and iPads have been introduced for work with pupils in a 1-2-1 capacity.
Mike added: “Our exciting new IT facilities will allow our pupils to take more ownership of their learning and develop independent learning skills, whilst growing their understanding of cutting-edge technology.
“In a post-pandemic world, technology is a vital resource every child needs to feel comfortable using. So, encouraging young minds to explore interactive learning methods across subjects and become confident with technology from an early point in their school journey is an important theme for us going forward.”
A year six pupil at Prenton Prep added: “It’s great that we are getting new iPads to help us with our work, it helps us with our everyday learning in the classroom. Having the internet on hand helps with research and further understanding of what we’re learning.
“I also like the new sporting facilities outside. The whole school feels like it is an exciting place to have our lessons and playtime is even more fun now with the bigger outdoor area.”
Longer-term developments are being planned by a team of architects the school has appointed who have met with parents and staff recently, to ensure Prenton Prep offers the highest standard of facilities to its children as they progress through the school on their learning journeys.