Clanfield pupils cook up a storm in new school kitchen

A primary school in Clanfield has brought back its cooking lessons for pupils thanks to a newly-renovated cookery room.

With help from local sponsors, Hampshire housebuilder Barratt David Wilson Homes, and East Hampshire District Council, Clanfield Junior School has transformed the kitchen space with new cupboards, two ovens and cooking equipment, as well as a fresh lick of paint.

The space became unsuitable for cooking lessons at the school due to old equipment and tired decor. Now, it is alive as the children and teachers use it for DT activities – and all have shared how much they love the space.

The school also regularly run community cookery sessions where the children bake allergen-free biscuits and other delicious bakes, and, there are plans to incorporate “home grown” into the school’s cookery agenda, with new planters in the allotments ready to grow produce for future cooking lessons.

Kati Dawkins, Head Teacher at Clanfield Junior School, said: “This project has really transformed our school and it’s been amazing to see the space really come to life with a buzz of excited activity. Barratt David Wilson Homes’ donation made all the difference and we now have a room that is a much better environment for our children.”

The donation to Clanfield Junior School is part of Barratt David Wilson Homes’ commitment to partnering with local charities and organisations to help create a positive impact for the communities it builds within. In 2025, the housebuilder raised more than £250,000 for local charities and community projects in just six months.

Marketing Manager at Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton Division, Megan Hamlyn, said: “We’ve worked with Clanfield Junior School for a while and when we heard they needed new kitchen facilities we didn’t hesitate to step in and help. We’re so pleased to see how the space has really come to life and is being enjoyed by all.”

Barratt David Wilson Homes Southampton Division is currently building homes across Hampshire including Pebble Walk in Hayling Island and Forest Walk in Whiteley.