Grange children have fun playing in mud kitchen and sand pit

Grange Community Nursery and Primary School has created a new early years outdoor area

The play space was designed by specialists to ensure that it gives children the chance to develop their balance, co-ordination, communication and social skills as well as their physical strength.

Leo Brooks and Dylan Doyle

A climbing unit featuring a slide, wobble bridge and two climbing sections is the focal point of the playground.

Thomas Wood

A mud kitchen and large sand pit give children the chance to develop their creativity and imagination through play, whilst exploring the natural world around them.

As reading is at the heart of the school's curriculum, children are encouraged to take their favourite stories outside to share to one another in the new quiet area, which is surrounded by vegetable patches.

Emily Jones

Sara Albiston, head of school said: “We are delighted to offer such high quality provision and teaching and learning to children from three years old, and our new area strengthens this.

Sasha Sefton and Elijah Lumsden

Neveah Buckley

"Our nursery children are immersed in an engaging and inspiring environment, which provides them with the highest quality vocabulary, reading, phonics and early maths. "The fun that the children have in this area is just wonderful to see.”

Children at Grange are continually taught about the outdoor world and how best to care for it.

Nursery and reception pupils have regular opportunities to explore the forest and allotments in the school grounds to develop their awareness of their local area.

The outdoor provision has been strengthened with the support of Weaver Trust.