The initiative to improve our school grounds began in 2006 with Mrs Baker’s ‘Bring a Rock to School Day’ which created a rockery and minibeast haven from a muddy bank outside of the south facing classrooms. Parents, staff and children then worked together to build the early years outdoor play area over a summer of weekends and evenings. The resulting outdoor area was the regional winner in the LOtC (Learning outside the classroom) national awards. This was followed by the creation of stimulating play spaces in our nursery grounds which complement the woodland spaces there.
In 2010 we secured a £10,000 lottery grant to broaden and develop the path along the south side of the school building, providing useful extra teaching and recreational space. Shade sails provide a cooler place to sit on hot days, while the stages have been used for all manner of singing and dancing enjoyment.
In 2015 we are hoping to secure further funding for developing the space outside of Class 4 into another useful, attractive, recreational and potential teaching space. A senses garden is being considered, with butterfly and bee-friendly planting. Preliminary drawings have been submitted by the children and the help of a sculptor has been enlisted.