A new outdoor play area and has been developed at a Cumbrian primary school.
Brough Community Primary School, located just off the A685 in the village, has developed the outdoor play area for its reception and year one pupils in Acorns Class.
Using the River Eden as a theme, they have a new all-weather play surface. Play equipment has been installed around this and the unique Andy Goldsworthy sculpture in the school grounds, using stone from the same quarry as the original design.
Behind the school, staff and volunteers have worked hard to redevelop allotments and a new wildlife area. Planting beds have been revitalised and pathways laid throughout this and the play area.
The children will also be looking after a new brood of chickens. One of the families in the school built a chicken run and constructed and donated a new coop.
Headteacher, Phil Cooper, who has pulled together the project alongside parents and other staff members, was full of praise for the community-driven initiative.
“We’re a school that loves to explore the fabulous outdoor learning opportunities around us in the Eden area,” he said.
“We struggled to do this during lockdown so I reached out to parents and the local community to ask if they could offer support with their time, resources and skills, to develop the school grounds.
“We have had expert local tradesmen and staff from the Army base at Warcop, all donating their time and machinery for free and just so many willing parent and family volunteers helping out – it’s been an amazing community project.
“Local firms like JT Atkinson, Eden Farm Supplies, Wearmouth Plant Hire, Tree Services and North West Arboricultural Services have also been very generous in their donations of equipment and resources for the development – Brough Chippy even kindly donated our six new chickens.”
Mr Cooper went on to say how much this will benefit the children in the school.
“These new improvements will enhance learning opportunities for the children massively,” he said.
“The new play area opens up endless options to drive creativity and enjoyment of learning for the younger children and the allotments and wildlife area will allow the whole school to appreciate nature, the food chain, sustainability and caring for animals.
“After such a difficult year, it will be great to see so many smiles on so many faces.”
