Chilworth School Gets Guildford’s Mayor to Open Its New Woodland Cabin

Published on: 2 May, 2025
Updated on: 3 May, 2025

The Mayor, a former teacher, speaking at the opening of Chilworth’s School’s new Woodland Cabin

“I would like to be a Mayor too!” So said Lily, aged 7, one of the pupils at Chilworth C of E Infant School after the Mayor of Guildford, Sallie Barker MBE, visited her school to open their new Woodland Cabin.

The formal opening took place on Thursday (May 1) after many months of building and preparation for the school’s nursery expansion. The cabin is a bespoke classroom specifically designed for the needs of two-year-olds.

Rafferty, aged six, was already rueing old-age: “I wish I was still two so I could stay in the Woodland Cabin and play with all the cool toys!”

Everyone in the community was invited to see inside our new nursery cabin and enjoy the expansive school grounds. One parent commented: ” Thank you for a fantastic opening party. The new Woodland cabin is amazing and a perfect space for my two-year-old starting nursery.”

The Woodland Cabin is a bespoke classroom specifically designed for the needs of two-year-olds.

A school spokesperson said: “With forest school activities, bikes and trikes and the sand pit all on offer, children and adults were all able to enjoy the party! We encourage any families looking for a nursery place for their 2-4 year olds to book a nursery tour via the school website.”

And headteacher Coralie Mankel was obviously happy with the new facility: “We are excited about our new nursery space as it enables two-year-olds to have exactly the provision they need as they start their journey into education at our school.”

The Mayor was clearly impressed. She said: “The school has such a lovely atmosphere and it was so nice to be able to visit as I used to be a teacher myself.”

Six-year-old Elsie was also impressed – but not just with the new cabin: “I liked seeing the Mayor’s golden chain!”