News

Some say that play is the highest form of learning, and we can’t say we disagree!

Play areas are essential for children’s development, providing them with a safe and stimulating environment where they can explore, learn, and grow.

Fortunately for pupils at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School, part of Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust, this has been taken to the next level with a brand new play area.

We’ll race you to the climbing frame…

The children will enjoy a wide range of activities

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Year 1 play facilities at the school received a £26,000 refurbishment, which saw extensive resurfacing work along with the introduction of a new water wall and climbing equipment.

That’s money well spent, we say.

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “We’re delighted to hear that St Cuthbert’s have a brand new play area for the children to explore, learn, and just as importantly, have fun!

“Play areas are important for children’s cognitive, sensory, and social and emotional development, and so we should never overlook these types of spaces. As we often say, learning isn’t exclusive to the classroom.”

Sarah Walsh, Deputy Head Teacher and EYFS Lead, said: “The old outdoor area had been in place for a long time and was in need of refurbishment.

“We wanted the children to have access to a wide range of activities in both the indoor and outdoor environment.”

The new play facilities, which are situated outside the Reception and Year 1 classrooms, were funded by St Cuthbert’s and are used daily by the school’s EYFS and Year 1 pupils.

Sarah continued: “The new play area stretches the length of the building. The new outdoor classroom is a hub of communication and language. Through the new water wall, children are able to problem solve with peers.

“The installation of new climbing equipment has allowed children to have extra opportunities to develop their fine and gross motor skills, which are of the utmost importance in the early years, setting a strong foundation for children on their school journey.”

In addition to developing physical capabilities, the whole outdoor area has been newly replenished with resources carefully designed to offer plenty of opportunities for pupils to build on their mathematics and literacy skills.

“The new play area has really supported the children in their development,” Sarah continued. “The children are excited and motivated learners in the new environment, and can communicate what they are learning well.”

Brilliant! We’re thrilled for everybody lucky enough to make use of this fantastic space.

We hope the pupils at St Cuthbert’s enjoy every second in this exciting new area, and we hope they make lots of new friends and memories to cherish.

St Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School is a Schools North East Partner School. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School Programme, click here.

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