Cherry Garden Primary School celebrated the official opening of its new home in Peckham last week.
Harriet Harman and newly appointed Mayor of Southwark, Sandra Rhule, were at the ceremony alongside parents, teachers and Southwark councillors.
The school is a new, purpose-built special school for up to 85 children with profound and multiple learning difficulties on a larger site than its previous base in Bermondsey. Facilities include a trampoline room, hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, and soft play.
Southwark councillor Jasmine Ali, the cabinet member responsible for children, schools, and adult care, described the new building and its facilities as ‘absolutely breathtaking’.
Head teacher Teresa Neary said the children were already responding well to their new environment.
“I was always keen to ensure that the school spaces allowed for the best possible opportunities for great learning to take place and alongside that the teachers had the best opportunities for great teaching,” she explained.
“I also wanted a beautiful environment for both children and staff and the architects shared the same vision in terms of design.
“It is an incredible building and I still sometimes pinch myself that it’s our building.”