School children create 'time capsule' roof

School children from Alfred Sutton Primary School have been decorating tiles

Primary school children have been decorating tiles for their school's roof replacement project.

Alfred Sutton Primary School in Wokingham Road, east Reading has added to its 123-year history by creating a "live time capsule" roof.

The project which started in March 2025, is part of Reading Council's ongoing programme of works to upgrade old Victorian school buildings.

Executive Head of Alfred Sutton Primary School, Robert Howell said the children have loved being part of the project, "it means their names will forever be enshrined in the history" which he said "is a lovely thing".

Children and teachers decorated and signed their own roof tile which will be placed alongside 65,000 other tiles expected to be used in the works.

Designs included pictures of children's hobbies, pets and computer game characters.

While others wrote to future pupils asking questions, such as whether they have flying cars or if people now lived on Mars.

Children and teachers decorated the tiles as part of a repair project

The project which is due to be completed early next year involves replacing the roof, guttering, windows and doors as well insulating to reduce energy bills.

Mr Howell said: "The children have loved being part of a live time capsule event where their pictures and messages will be part of the roof and revealed in possibly 100-years-time when they need replacing again.

"With a Victorian building there is a constant maintenance schedule."

He explained that the project is "huge" for the school and the main hall which the roof covers has been subject to "some leakage".

Children were given the chance to make their mark on their school's roof replacement project

The roof replacement is part of Reading's School Fabric Condition Programme funded by the Department for Education's Schools Condition Grant.

Councillor Rachel Eden, lead councillor for education and public health, said the replacement of the building roof is a "major project which is vital for the school and its pupils".

She said: ""Reading is lucky that our heritage includes several Victorian school buildings but it does mean the council needs to keep up a programme of improvements."