BARONESS Jan Royall has cut the ribbon to a new £25,000 outdoor classroom for reception pupils at Berry Hill Primary School.

Parents and preschool pupils from Berry Hill Under-Fives and Little Stars were also invited to watch the grand opening on Friday.

The classroom, which is attached to the indoor classroom, will allow reception pupils access to roam the fenced off area without supervision.

The sheltered spot features a raised platform for disabled access and outdoor play activities including a small sand pit and water tank.

Headteacher Mrs Gail Jones said: “We decided to build an outdoor classroom to comply with an Ofsted requirement for reception children to have access to the outdoors without supervision.

“The provision of this area has not only given the class extra learning space but it has also had a huge positive impact on their progress in a short time.”

The addition was constructed over the autumn half-term and is mainly funded through the school’s budget.

Mrs Jones added: “Unfortunately we weren’t eligible for capital maintenance funding from the Local Education Authority as there were so many applications and we didn’t get priority. However we did have £8,000 towards the raised platform from a separate pot to allow disabled access and we self-funded the outstanding balance.

“The project has been worth every penny as all the children thoroughly enjoy the new area. One child said ‘being outside helps my brain work better, it’s fresh air.’

“We are looking forward to the summer when we can build dens and role play camping.”

Baroness Royall added: “The classroom is a brilliant addition for a brilliant school. The space does not only give the children somewhere fun to play but also learn. I feel honoured to have been asked to open it.”