Time capsule burial at Loanhead Primary School and Early Childhood Centre

Pupils from Loanhead Primary School planted a time capsule this week in the grounds of the school to mark the progress being made on the new Early Childhood Centre and other refurbishment works.

The whole school were involved in putting items in the time capsule and had great fun coming up with ideas of what should be included.  The capsule contained photographs, writing and maths work, a school uniform and an Uno game.  The pupils agreed that the time capsule should be opened in 20 years time.

Work by Ashleigh Building on the £4.15 million extension and programme of refurbishment at the school is going well and is scheduled for completion by July, just before children return for the new term in August.

The new Early Childhood Centre will feature a light, bright and modern flexible dining/activity area and will have the capacity to provide 1140 hours of early learning and childcare for 42 children. A new fully glazed structure will provide a link from the primary school through to the extension. Other works within the primary school include the installation of a new lift rising through the school atrium, and external ramps which will ensure inclusive access to all main levels of the existing school.

New toilets will be installed on all levels, including accessible facilities and a new changing facility, while the former janitor’s house, which was previously used as the school kitchen/dining hall, will be refurbished to provide accommodation for the PEACE Group (Breakfast Club and After School Club). Externally there will be new play areas and landscaping together with dedicated off street parking accessible from Loanhead Street.

Councillor Fiona Campbell, Cabinet Member for Skills and Learning, East Ayrshire Council, said: "It’s great to see such good progress being made on the Centre and in the school. Having the children bury the time capsule has added to their sense of excitement about the improvements to their school and having a new Early Childhood Centre right next to it.

"This development is particularly significant as it will offer the most modern, dedicated early learning facilities for the youngest learners in this community for the very first time, helping to ensure that they get to experience the very best possible start in life."