Brooke House School opens solar dome at its eco-centre

Teachers at the school had the idea of a solar dome after seeing a model at the School Education Show

A private school in Leicestershire has become the first in the county to open a solar dome in its grounds.

The dome has been built at Brooke House School's eco-centre to "enhance the children's knowledge of the world".

The Cosby school was granted funding from a government initiative, 'Early Learning and Child Care Capital Monies Programme', to build the solar dome.

Andrew Robathan, Conservative MP for South Leicestershire, was "very pleased" to officially open the dome.

'Wonderful addition'

"The dome is like a mini Eden Project and I congratulate the school on its erection," he said.

Pupil George Chapman, 10, said: "We are trying to create a rainforest environment in the solar dome. We have got plants that like heat - potatoes and a nature table."

Debbie Bailey, the school's education co-ordinator, said the solar dome "is a wonderful addition to our nurseries and school".

Pupil Harriet Simms, 9, said: "When I first saw the solar dome it seemed really small but it’s massive."

"It provides a unique learning environment enhancing our children's knowledge and understanding of the world, through a hands on living classroom," she said.

Principal Joy Parker says the school has an "eco-friendly philosophy".

"Brooke House currently has the Bronze and Silver Eco School's Award and is well on the way to achieving Green Flag status," she said.

The school's eco-centre has reindeer, continental rabbits and chickens.

Vegetables grown there, and eggs laid by its hens, are used in school meals.

The school also has two geese and two ponies living in a nearby field.