Young ‘imaginations will thrive’ in school’s outdoor learning space
Children at a primary school are enjoying a new outdoor learning space and exercise equipment.
The younger pupils at Lawley Primary School in Telford are now using the new outdoor space with a sheltered area, astro turf, black boards, water trays and sensory walls.
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) area links the two reception classrooms and offers fresh air and enhanced learning opportunities outside regardless of the weather.
The school has also invested in two table tennis tables for the older pupils and most recently have seen a new outdoor gym installed.
The equipment has been used by pupils while they were still in school before Christmas, and by the children of critical workers who remain in school during the lockdown.
Headteacher Carol Mcquiggin, said: “Investment in outdoor learning has been a long term project and was in the planning long before the pandemic.
“It just happened that we could schedule in the work during the pandemic and we were fortunate that this still went ahead.
“The table tennis tables allow the older children to enjoy an alternative activity to football or other playground games and is welcomed by the children.
“Within the same area, where previously there were wooden exercise beams and an old tyre park, we have had a full outdoor gym installed and the children love it.
“We have a rota for the playtimes but also can incorporate it into their PE lessons.
“Whilst the EYFS area, which had a large outdoor space which was not utilised to its full potential, is now a hive of activity and excitement.
“The sheltered area allows the children to be taught outside regardless of the weather which has been brilliant during the pandemic.
“They can put their learning into action with their numeracy and literacy and the role play which is wonderful to see.
"Their imaginations thrive in the outdoors and it is a clean area where they can learn and play regardless of the weather.
“There are so many topics we can cover in the area and the children love the bright, safe and exciting space.”
Kirsty Smallman, chair of governors said the governing board were very supportive and encouraged the enhancement of the outdoor space at the school.
She said: “We are very lucky to have such large areas of outdoor space.
It is a rolling programme which has seen significant investment in the areas so far and we have been supported by the school PTFA with their amazing fundraising too.
“It is vital to emphasise that learning does not just happen in a classroom – it is the whole school offering and the outdoors is so important.
“Future projects will include the nature area where we have already started planting some trees and we hope when the times return back to some normality, we will be able to call on members of the public and local tradespeople to help develop this area.
“We cannot wait to see all of our pupils back in our wonderful school enjoying this space.”
