In Pictures: School in Peterborough launches new outdoor play area following £150,000 investment

Thorpe Primary School has launched its brand-new Early Years Outdoor Play Area following a substantial £150K investment.

The new play area, which includes forest towers, dens, stages and a mud zone, was officially opened by the Mayor of Peterborough, Cllr Marco Cereste

“I have very fond memories of this school as my stepson was at school here when he first came to England,” he said. “It was a wonderful school then as it is now, and it will benefit from these great new facilities."

The works were completed over the summer holidays ready for the beginning of the new term.

A school spokesperson explained: “The clever design has created a dedicated ‘outdoor classroom’ that is an extension of the indoor spaces. Children can explore with water, sand and mud and be imaginative with stages, playhouses and dens and get physical with active equipment including log climbers, forest trails and towers.”

“It is hoped the new space will inspire, encourage, and spark a genuine love for learning, and feel privileged to be able to play our part in improving the outdoor experiences of Thorpe’s youngest pupils, both now and in the future.”

Mrs Emma Anderson, Head Teacher of Thorpe Primary School commented: “We are thrilled to have this new outdoor play area at our school. It has already proven to be an incredible benefit to our children.”

The primary school, located in Netherton, is rated ‘Good’ from Ofsted and is part of Peterborough Keys Academies Trust (PKAT).

Dr Ian Young, CEO of PKAT said: “This investment underlines our commitment to ensure that, as a Trust, we have outstanding outdoor learning environments for our youngest children. Thorpe Primary School is the second of our schools to receive this investment, following a similar project at Ravensthorpe Primary School last summer.”

Rhian Neville, Early Years Lead said: “The outdoor area has been designed to ensure all children in our Nursery and Reception classes can access high quality learning experiences outside in almost all weathers. The children will have access to a wide range of areas, including stages, water play, sand pits, open-ended construction, mud kitchens and mark making areas. The resources and areas planned will allow children to lead their own learning, use their imagination and work alone or in groups.”

She added: “When designing the space, it was important that the areas were open-ended and could be adapted to respond to the needs and interests of the cohorts each year, as well as having lots of open space for children to move freely and in different ways. A large emphasis has been put on developing gross motor skills, with access to climbing and balancing equipment and a large purpose-built road way system. There is progression between the Nursery and Reception playgrounds, as well as a central gross motor space where the children of different ages can come together to play. It is a really exciting development for the school and will benefit the children of Thorpe for many years to come!”

Luke Banner, Head of Sales and Development from Pentagon Play added: “We have been able to combine our expertise in educational play with a clear vision from the Trust and school to design an engaging environment that focuses on open-ended, autonomous learning where children are provided the tools and independence to pursue their own natural curiosities and interests.”