We’re very proud to have been given the opportunity to install cladding and floor tiling in a newly built swimming pool facility at Newman School in Whiston, Rotherham.

Newman School is a learning community made up of children, young people, families, carers and staff from many different backgrounds. Similarities are shared and differences celebrated. The school focuses on enabling children to develop into adults who are aware of their rights and responsibilities, are tolerant and respectful of others, have a sense of fascination at the natural world and a healthy self-esteem.

“This local Special Educational Needs (SEND) establishment, run by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, features a small swimming pool that the youngsters use almost on a daily basis,” explains Tim Vaughan, director at A Cumberlidge.

The pool area at Newman School complete with R11-rated ceramic tiles

Continues Tim: “Local construction firm, R H Fulwood Ltd, approached us last year to discuss the replacement of cladding in the pool’s changing area and floor tiling throughout. We liaised closely with the team at R H Fulwood and headteacher, Paul Silvester, on a scheme of works that would see the facility transformed and ready to be enjoyed by all pupils.

“Keen-eyed pool users may spot the Aston Villa FC connection (Paul is a big fan of the club!) with 220m2 of CPL Palram cladding in field white with a feature of claret and blue. Claret and blue floor tiles would’ve been a step too far, so we elected to use 250m2 of R11-rated ceramic tiles to create a safe, non-slip environment.”

The changing rooms at Newman School pool – spot the claret and blue cladding!

Concludes Tim: “The final result is concise, easy to clean, highly functional and aesthetically pleasing, unless you’re a Birmingham city fan that is!”