Chipping Hill School - Witham - Essex

Our School

Chipping Hill Primary School is a small school situated in the heart of Witham. The original Infant school was built in 1902 as a two classroom, red brick building typical of the period. In 1923 the school closed but was re-opened in 1938. A relocatable hall was added in 1977 and this now houses the offices and the school dining hall. Since that time the school has been substantially upgraded and modernised. In 1997, two brand new classrooms were built to replace those in the original building. The old building became the school hall and a small staffroom and boiler house were built on. In 2002 two new purpose-built Early Years classrooms were added to the building. This September we became a Primary School and have a new relocatable classroom and dedicated outside area for our Foundation Stage pupils and a small library room.
	The outside learning environment is an essential part of our children’s learning experience and we take great pride in the upkeep of the grounds around the school. Throughout the year the children are able to detect the natural changes in the outside environment. In the Spring and Summer, particularly, they enjoy experiencing at first hand, the variety of life to be found there. The school playing field has a Wild Area and pond in the far corner and also a ‘Secret Garden’. Here the children are able to learn about plants and small creatures in order to enhance their classroom studies. In 2009 we added raised vegetable beds, planters and Percy’s potting shed. We now grow a selection of vegetables, herbs and flowers.
In another corner of our school field is the Adventure Playground, which was funded by our Parents’ Association, ‘The Friends of Chipping Hill School’. This safely built climbing frame is enjoyed by the children all year round and is vital in their physical development. At the front of the school is the playground area It is surrounded by borders of shrubs and plants and there are many seating areas where the children can sit and chat quietly if they wish. The ‘Friends’ also built a gazebo for the children to play in. Around the school there are patios, including Badger’s Bank, where the children can sit and read or work with an adult. The whole school community takes great pride in the working environment. The children, parents, relations and staff help with environmental projects. Thanks to parent helpers the school achieved Witham in Bloom gold award for our school premises and vegetable garden.