Llanfoist Fawr Primary School has officially opened a new modern and especially designed, conservation conscious building in Monmouthshire, Wales.

The £4 million school, which benefited from over £2.3 million of Welsh Assembly Government funding was built with timber entirely from sustainable resources, has a recycled firestone solar-panelled roof, and rainwater harvesting tanks to flush toilets.

The Minister took a tour of school, which boasts glass fronted classrooms, perfect for utilising natural light and enjoying the beautiful Abergavenny countryside.

Making the most of nature is a running theme at the school- specially developed outdoor learning zones are a key feature. The canopied courtyard will act as an outdoor classroom, giving children the opportunity to experience different learning environments to enhance their education.

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Speaking at the event Jane Hutt said: "Building new schools designed with the very latest teaching and environmental practices in mind is a top priority for the Welsh Assembly Government. By harvesting rainwater at the school, sustainable development issues become a very real part of everyday school life, which will provide everybody with valuable lessons about preserving our natural resources.

"We have committed to investing £174 million in the Foundation Phase curriculum over the next three years. Schools like this, emphasizing the importance of our natural habitat, and the freedom and benefits that the outdoors can bring to individuals are perfectly placed to take advantage of this exciting new approach to learning. I hope that the staff and pupils at Llanfoist Primary School will be very happy in their new idyllic learning setting."

(CD/JM)