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'Now we're up and running!'

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The finishing touches are being made to the city's first free school after a £3 million refurbishment.

Krishna Avanti, a Hindu primary set up at the former Leicester Grammar Junior school site with a building which dates back to 1835, has been transformed since it opened in September 2011.

Principal Christopher Spall said: "We're incredibly proud of the school, what we're doing here and how it looks. There's a fantastic atmosphere and we're sure anyone who looks around and sees what we have done will be impressed."

Two new blocks have been added to the building housing classrooms and a worship hall which doubles up as a dining area.

A large outdoor plaza has been created and further landscaping includes a vegetable patch for children to grow their own food and play areas for each year group.

The Grade II-listed building which already existed at the site has been repainted throughout and new carpets added.

It will eventually be used by pupils in years four, five, and six as youngsters move up and the school expands.

The Department for Education has spent more than £4.5million buying and developing the school.

A contribution of £200,000 was made by the Krishna Avanti Trust. Three free schools in London are also run by the trust.

About 90 pupils attend the Leicester primary, 45 of them new starters in September. The school is not exclusively for Hindu children and children from other faiths can join.

Krishna Avanti was created under the Government's new education agenda where parents, charitable groups and others can bid to set up a school, providing they demonstrate the ability to do so. Although free schools don't have to follow the national curriculum, Krishna Avanti does.

It is funded via the local education authority in the same way as most schools but money goes directly to the school and no cash is retained by the city council for central services.

School governor, Pradip Gajjar, said: "It's hugely exciting to see the school coming together. It has been designed in a way which reflects our ethos and values and provides a perfect environment for our pupils to thrive."

The school grounds have piped music throughout, so wherever staff and pupils walk, there is a calm, relaxing atmosphere. As well as daily meditation, pupils also take part in yoga. They learn Sanskrit, the classical language of Hinduism, and are also taught Spanish in year one.

Pupils have the latest ICT equipment and use iPads in the classroom.

Mr Gajjar said: "Our school, along with many others no longer has the traditional ICT suite full of computers. The iPads are portable and are used to support learning as and when they're needed."

Pupil Diya Mistry, five, said: "I like my teachers. It's fun coming here."

Fellow pupil Kyan Patel, five, said: "I love using the iPad. I have one at home, but it's even better using it in school."

An open day took place at the school on Saturday and another is planned for November 24, between 11am and 2pm.

Prospective parents are invited to have a look around the school. No appointments are necessary.

'Now we're up and running!'


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