New £25,000 outdoor reading area opens at village school to inspire young readers
School unveils £25,000 outdoor reading area complete with heated reading pod, giving pupils unique new space to enjoy books
A new £25,000 outdoor reading area has opened at a village primary school, giving pupils a unique space to read, learn and enjoy the outdoors all year round.
The new facility at St Mary's CE First Academy in Wheaton Aston was funded and installed by Bradford Estates as part of its programme supporting education in local schools.
The project has transformed an unused outdoor area into a dedicated learning space featuring a bespoke heated reading pod, covered seating, benches and landscaped gardens.
The pod has been fitted with lighting and heating, while Blymhill School Trust has provided books, beanbags and furnishings to create a comfortable environment for pupils.
St Mary's, which has 84 pupils from nursery to Year 4, officially opened the facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Bradford Estates Executive Chairman Alexander Newport.
Trust Head Teacher Jen Watts said: "A huge thank you to Bradford Estates for transforming the space into a fantastic outdoor learning area.
"The reading space extends our library and will help increase the children's love of reading while providing a safe place to learn and enjoy the fresh air. It has been wonderful to see how excited they are to use it."
The project was designed and delivered by Bradford Estates' construction team, with new pathways, planting and landscaping creating an accessible outdoor classroom.
Alexander Newport said: "We are delighted to have supported St Mary's in creating this wonderful new reading area. Seeing the pupils' excitement on opening day was a real highlight, and we hope it inspires a lifelong love of reading for many years to come.
"This builds on the trim trail we installed at the school in 2023 and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting education in our local communities."
The pupils are already looking forward to making the most of the new facility.
Nine-year-old Lewis said: "The new area will allow us to read and learn new vocabulary."
Oliver added: "I'm excited to start using the reading area. I love reading, especially How to Train Your Dragon books."
Olivia said: "The new outdoor classroom will encourage us to read more books and to learn in the fresh air."