A RAINWATER harvesting system, solar shading panels and under floor heating – all features of the brand new Flitch Green Primary School officially opened on Friday. Over 80 pupils welcomed parents, staff members and school governors to the Oakwood Park es

A RAINWATER harvesting system, solar shading panels and under floor heating - all features of the brand new Flitch Green Primary School officially opened on Friday.

Over 80 pupils welcomed parents, staff members and school governors to the Oakwood Park estate education facility for the cutting of the red ribbon and the unveiling of a school sign and commemorative plague.

Headteacher Helen Johnson said the opening presented a fantastic opportunity for all involved to join together and celebrate.

"We have a lovely school building, a tremendous staff team, a supportive governing body and delightful pupils and parents committed to their local school," she said.

"Each child at Flitch Green Primary School achieves well because they are valued and encouraged to learn new skills. They play an important role in shaping the school and are given responsibilities accordingly."

Year six pupils led the speeches on the day and all the pupils helped to officially open the school by cutting the ribbon.

The new building, which has been in service since September 2008, is one of the county's most sustainable and has been built with a number of modern and environmentally friendly features such as a rainwater harvesting system, which supplies water to flush toilets within the school, solar shading panels installed to reduce the need for artificial cooling, and under floor heating and a biomass boiler to provide highly efficient heating.

Designed around a central courtyard, the school has seven classrooms, an open plan resource areas, a large, multi-purpose hall with ICT integral to all areas, and secure, landscaped play and social areas.