Celebrity fitness coach, Joe Wicks made a special return visit to Yatton Infant School on Wednesday 12 November, to celebrate the newly rebuilt facilities, following a devastating fire in May 2023.

The Body Coach, known for his “PE with Joe” workouts during the pandemic, first visited the school in 2023 - after the infant school building experienced significant damage during the fire in May Half Term 2023 – to lift spirits and run a special “PE with Joe” session with pupils. His visit provided much-needed motivation and positivity for the school community as they began the long process of rebuilding.

Two years later, as promised, Joe returned to see the transformed space and to meet pupils and staff now enjoying the brand-new school building. During his visit, Joe was given a tour of the new facilities and led pupils in another special “PE with Joe” session.

Joe, who has visited the schools on both occasions, without payment, to simply spread cheer had a lovely visit: “I have come back to celebrate the opening of the building at the school and to spread some positivity. The noise, intensity and energy from the children was amazing and reminds me why I love spending time inspiring the younger generation. I felt really welcome returning – they have put up lots of signs and decorations across the school for me. It is great to come full circle and revisit at a happy time.”

The rebuild project was recently completed, following over two years of extensive design, planning and building works by Bray and Slaughter and Coreus, creating a bright, welcoming space for the children to learn and flourish. The new classrooms, hall, library, toilets and breakout spaces for interventions are now available

Acting Headteacher, Mrs Sarah Howard said, “Joe said he would return to see the new building when he visited us back in 2023 – he is a man true to his word. His first visit lifted the spirits of the whole school community during a very difficult time, and so to be able to invite him back to celebrate this new chapter for Yatton Infant School is really wonderful and a great celebration of how far we have come. We are delighted with the new building and the children are settling in well.”

Pupils are already feeling the benefits of their new space; Milo, a Year 2 pupil at the school explains that “the new building is much bigger, giving us more space in our classroom. The library is great with lots of books”.

As part of his visit, Joe led a special workout session, attended by staff and pupils from across the school, and marking an exciting new beginning for the school after two years of hard work and determination.

Dr Gary Lewis, Chief Executive of the Lighthouse Schools Partnership, “The journey for Yatton Infant School is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a school community comes together. We are very grateful for all who have played a part in the rebuild here at Yatton, and I know the new spaces will benefit pupils for many years to come.”