Moorlands School recently invited Wera Hobhouse MP to formally open its new outdoor learning space – a giant tipi in the school grounds!
The funds for the tipi were generously donated by the former employer of the late Ken Barnes, whose two grandchildren attend Moorlands. His daughter Mrs Taylor, who spoke at the opening, said that the new tipi “sums up my dad well – he loved being outside, and education meant a great deal to him. Our family have named the tipi Ken’s Den, in honour of my dad and the children’s Grampy.”
Wera was welcomed by headteacher Georgina Scott, and the opening was witnessed by the entire school. Wera spoke to the children about her role as MP for Bath, and said that when they were older, they should visit her place of work at the Houses of Parliament.
“I am delighted to be here today to open Ken’s Den, in memory of a very special person, and a wonderful family, who are so much part of your community,” she said. “You have got a great outdoor space here at Moorlands, and I hope that this tipi will make a massive difference to your learning.”
Wera was invited to visit Moorlands by school governor Jon Bentley. Jon said he contacted Wera because he was so frustrated with lack of funding for schools, stating, “Moorlands has the potential to be one of the most beautiful and sustainable campuses in the country – let alone Bath – but access to funds and the competing priorities around funding for teaching and facilities cause continual frustration.
“We want to celebrate what is good about the children, the staff and the school. This is about our place in the community and the connections we build now and into the future.”