Lower Darwen pupils set for outdoor learning fun

St James' Church of England Primary School received a grant from Tesco's Bags of Help initiative enabling them to fund a new outdoor learning environment.

The classroom will be used by the school as well as the wider community and local church groups following the donation from Tesco in partnership with Groundwork.

Vicky Hogan, reception class teacher and acting assistant head teacher at St James’, said that the children's learning would be enhanced when they return to school in September because of the new room.

She said: “This has been a long time in the planning and it means a lot people have voted to ensure that we received the grant, which will help us to get everything moving with the development of the outdoor classroom.

“It’s so important for children to be able to get outside and not only enjoy the fresh air, but also learn about the environment around them, and with the outdoor space we have it’s such a shame it hasn’t been used to its best."

Councillor Denise Gee said that she welcomes the fact that the open classroom can be used by the community.

She said: "Any involvement with the community and the school working together has to be a good thing. It's fantastic that the children will be able to get outside and take it all in.

"I just hope that it is treated with tender loving care and that it's respected. It's a good opportunity and I hope that it's embraced by the community."

There are thought to be many benefits of outdoor teaching and because the new build has shelter it can be used whatever the weather.

Miss Hogan said: "Now we can really start to enhance the children’s learning at the school by providing them with a creative environment to encourage them to explore and investigate.

“It’s so important for as many children and their families as possible to be able to benefit from everything this project has to offer, which is why we’re so excited to finally have the work completed.”