Muskham Primary School pupils to start working outdoors as £20,000 classroom is created for foundation children

Pupils have been given a new outdoor environment to work in.

Muskham Primary School officially opened new £20,000 outdoor classroom, created for their foundation unit pupils.

The outdoor classroom includes a climbing frame, a den- making area with tunnels, a bridge over a new stream, a role-play area, a bicycle track, and a mud kitchen.

The area also has roofing so the pupils can enjoy it even during inclement weather.

Head Amanda Crossland said: “Very young children learn predominantly through their sensory and physical experiences; this supports brain development and the creation of neural networks.

“Being outside promotes a sense of well-being, and the opportunities to develop the children’s problem-solving skills and nurture their creativity are endless.”

Funding for much of the project came from the school’s PTA, along with government funding.

Mrs Crossland said: “It is a very effective way to prepare children for their full-time education at the school as they begin to form those important relationships with their peers and teachers, and familiarise themselves with the school’s routines.”

Lindsey McEvoy, foundation teacher, said: “Our outdoor environment facilitates the development of children’s physical capabilities as well opportunities to explore, experiment, discover, be active and ultimately have fun while learning.”

Muskham School is inviting parents of children aged three and four to attend an open morning on Tuesday to visit the foundation unit.

READ MORE:

Frustrated resident's five-month wait for asbestos flytip removal

Museum now operates legally

Unsafe and unclean care home where person was hospitalised closes after inspection