A Northumberland first school is set to receive a new kitchen almost 90 years after it first opened. Holywell Village First School, which opened in 1938, has never had an onsite kitchen.
Background
Previously, the school relied on a catering scheme from neighbouring North Tyneside Council. However, this arrangement ended in March 2024 after the local authority deemed it financially unviable. Since then, the school has been forced to use expensive external catering services.
Funding Approval
Northumberland County Council's cabinet has approved a £76,000 investment to convert an existing space at the school into new kitchen facilities. The school itself is contributing £13,000 to the project.
Headteacher's Reaction
Headteacher Sarah Brett said: “Confirmation of this funding is a welcome investment which will benefit all of the pupils of Holywell Village First School. Having our own kitchen facilities will be more cost-effective and will future-proof the delivery of hot and nutritious meals which are so important to the health and well-being of our pupils.”
Timeline
Work is set to start during the upcoming summer holidays but will continue into the next academic year.
Local Councillor's Comments
Holywell County Councillor Les Bowman added: “This is great news for the school and will be a real boost for all the pupils. I know the school has worked hard alongside the council to pull together the funding for a new kitchen, and I’m looking forward to work getting underway over the coming months.”
Cabinet Meeting
The plans were approved at Tuesday's meeting of the council's cabinet. Speaking at the meeting, cabinet member for education Coun Guy Renner-Thompson said: “We have been talking about this for some time. Holywell used to get school dinners from North Tyneside Council. The council decided to stop that service. They didn't have their own kitchen and it was costing the school an awful lot of money using outside caterers. We have reached into our back pocket to find £76,000 to build a kitchen at the school. I was there with the local member and the headmistress, who is retiring and won't be able to enjoy this, but she's really happy to see it. Holywell school is doing really well and this is further investment into the school to keep it going long into the future.”
