MP Wera Hobhouse Opens New Outdoor Learning Tipi At Moorlands School

21 June 2019

Wera visited Moorlands School last Friday to formally open their new outdoor learning space – a giant tipi in the school grounds!

The funds for the tipi were generously donated by the former employer of the late Ken Barnes, whose two grandchildren attend Moorlands. His daughter Mrs. Taylor, who spoke at the opening, said that the new tipi “sums up my dad well - he loved being outside, and education meant a great deal to him. Our family have named the tipi Ken’s Den, in honour of my Dad and the children’s Grampy.”

Wera was welcomed by headteacher Georgina Scott, and the opening was witnessed by the entire school. Wera spoke to the children about her role as MP for Bath, and said that when they were older, they should visit her place of work at the Houses of Parliament. Wera said:

“I am delighted to be here today to open Ken’s Den, in memory of a very special person, and a wonderful family, who are so much a part of your community. You have got a great outdoor space here at Moorlands, and I hope that this tipi will make a massive difference to your learning.”

Wera was invited to visit Moorlands by school governor Jon Bentley. Jon said he contacted Wera because he was so frustrated with lack of funding for schools, stating that "Moorlands has the potential to be one of the most beautiful and sustainable campuses in the country - let alone Bath - but access to funds and the competing priorities around funding for teaching and facilities cause continual frustration.

“We want to celebrate what is good about the children, the staff and the school. This is about our place in the community and the connections we build now and into the future."

Moorlands Schools Federation comprises two community schools, Moorlands Infant School and Moorlands Junior School. It occupies a green and leafy learning campus in south Bath. Children use both school sites as one large learning campus, with interesting and exciting environments to explore and use for learning, sport and play. Moorlands Federation is a member of The Bath and Mendip Partnership Trust which is a multi-academy trust.

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