New outdoor facilities are a hit with youngsters at Haddon Primary & Nursery School in Carlton!

Children at Haddon Primary & Nursery School in Carlton, Nottingham, are making the most of new facilities in the school’s dedicated early years outdoor learning space.

Nina Capek is Headteacher at the school and said, “Having developed the indoor learning environment last year, we felt that our youngest children deserved a better outdoor area to support their learning.  We worked closely with the Flying High Partnership to design a modern, fit for purpose, flexible and custom designed outdoor space with high quality resources where children can learn and play.  We were very grateful to the Partnership for financially supporting this crucial project and enabling our children to have the facilities they deserve.”

Nina says the children are very excited to use their new equipment. “The children have loved getting outdoors and learning in their new environment.  All the resources are being very well used, but clear favourites are the construction area, the stage, and the role play area which changes weekly.”

Rosie Middleton is the Early Years Foundation Stage Lead and FS2 teacher at the school. Rosie says that some of the items in the playground have been hand made by her father, Brian Chadwick, a retired carpenter.

Rosie says, “Whenever we have needed something extra for the outdoor space I have asked for help from my dad! He made a bookshelf, table and chairs and also lots of smaller resources like a toadstool counting game, giant wooden scales and chalkboards for our writing shed. The children love the items, and they are a great addition to keep children engaged and learning during their time out of doors.”

A new central pagoda in the outdoor learning space has added to the existing covered areas so children can access the outdoors more often throughout the year.

Headteacher Nina Capek said, “Outdoor learning is a crucial part of the EYFS curriculum supporting all areas, but especially those of physical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, and communication and language. We chose resources that were versatile in their use so we can keep things fresh and interesting for the children. We are able to change key elements each week to ensure we are meeting children’s ever-changing needs and interests. Children are having fun whilst enhancing their learning!”