Councillor officially opens Gunthorpe Primary’s new Early Years space

The transformation of the EYFS area forms part of the Trust’s wider vision to give every child the best possible start to their education.

The previous outdoor space had become dated, and the refreshed design now provides open-ended opportunities for children to use their imagination, be creative, and take their learning in many directions. The large space supports children’s physical health and mental wellbeing, giving them the freedom to explore, play and develop essential motor skills.

Charlotte Brattan, Deputy Headteacher, said: “We wanted our youngest pupils to have a space that really supports their development, where they can explore, problem-solve and play together. The new area encourages curiosity and creativity, and it’s incredible to see how quickly the children have made it their own.”

Cllr Bond has long championed local schools and families in Gunthorpe, with a particular focus on making sure children have access to the best possible start in life.

Congratulating the school on its renewed commitment to early years education, she said: “It’s wonderful to see such a vibrant, thoughtfully designed area for young learners here in Gunthorpe. Spaces like this give children a fantastic start in life, and I’m delighted to support the school community in continuing to build on its successes.

"Supporting schools like Gunthorpe to have the resources they need for high-quality education is something I care deeply about.”

Located in the heart of Gunthorpe, just north of Peterborough, the school is part of Soke Education Trust, a family of schools working together to provide high standards of education across the region. The design of the EYFS outdoor area was completed following the work of Elaine Crane, Director of Education at the Trust, who supported the EYFS team to ensure the area meets the highest standards for early years learning environments.

Cathy Carlisle, CEO of Soke Education Trust, added: “As a Trust, we’re developing strong EYFS networks across all our schools, so every child has access to the very best early learning environments. Gunthorpe’s new EYFS area is a wonderful example of this collaborative approach, where vision, passion and teamwork come together to benefit children and their families.”

Gunthorpe Primary is an active part of the local community, with the Ward currently benefiting from rejuvenation funding. The completion of the outdoor area aligns with broader efforts to enhance opportunities and facilities across the area, something the school and Trust are proud to support.

For more information or to book an Early Years parent tour, please contact the school office on 01733 571193 or email [email protected]. The deadline for primary school applications is January 15, 2026.