Work has completed on a new transformational learning space for Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) children at East Hunsbury Primary School.
The school has teamed up with Wellingborough-based Timotay Playscapes to plan three distinct areas for pupils aged four and five. The project has been designed to support “creativity, independence and innovation” from the moment children start at school. Features include a role play village, an outdoor learning zone (with “deluxe” mud kitchen), creative studio area, water play, climbing apparatus and a construction area complete with gravel pit, sand pit, trike and cycle area, as well as a ’show time’ performance stage and storytelling area.
“Early years is one of the most important stages in a child’s life – they have to be learning and happy from day one – and, as a school, we have a clear vision on what is required to support that,” explained Headteacher Kathryn Pennington. “From our perspective EYFS children need to be learning from everything in their school environment, and this environment also facilitates how we teach. We are investing in teaching our inspirational and enabling curriculum and it is important that we have the facilities to support this.”
The EYFS area, which was completed in December 2022, is the latest development in a long-term building and maintenance programme. Recently the school’s specialist unit, which teaches 50 children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, underwent a refurbishment which included a new sensory room and there are also plans to install a brand-new all-weather pitch and outdoor gym equipment. “As a flagship school for inclusion, we hope that the EYFS outdoor space will provide even more opportunities for every child in our school community to learn and grow together,” Kathryn revealed.
Joe Panter, Operations Director at Timotay Playscapes, added: “At Timotay, we are passionate about transforming children’s lives through outdoor play, and we believe that every child has the right to play. The partnership has enabled us to develop an inclusive and learning-enriched environment for children to have fun, develop and learn.”
