Pakeman School

Educationalists have realised that pre-schooling very young children helps them achieve better outcomes and the government has been financing extensions to existing schools for Under Three Centres. CBA designed one for Pakeman School in Islington, a self-contained building occupying a rarely-used, shady part of the school playground and connected to an existing infants’ play area.

The centre has a mono-pitch roof largely concealed by the existing playground wall and is entered by the historic ‘boys’ entrance, a relic from the days when the schools were segregated. Inside, a large, light-filled room provides the main play area, with service rooms alongside and story-telling niche, complete with a semi-circular bench seat and a round roof light. Bifold doors open towards the playground and a perforated ‘lunar’ ceiling keeps noise levels down. The centre has proved popular with children, parents and staff alike.