A PRIMARY school has benefitted from a £10,000 grant by developing outdoor provisions during the summer holiday.

After seeing the National Lottery Grant advertised through a teaching website, Gillamoor Primary School applied for extra funding to establish outdoor equipment such as wooden trim trail and a traversing wall climber.

The construction of the outdoor equipment commenced in August, ready for the children’s return in September after months of closure during the coronavirus outbreak.

“The children are absolutely delighted by the new equipment, every morning they run straight towards the playground,” said headteacher Andrea Hayes.

“We have evaluated and redesigned our provision for over the summer and feel excited by the response from the children.

“The equipment also contributes nicely towards the children’s 30 minutes of daily exercise.

“I found the pupils are exercising even more following the summer holiday construction, since they now have a bigger selection.

“Outdoor provision is crucial for the development of young children’s skills and is an essential part of the curriculum.

“The coronavirus lockdown has been particularly difficult, especially for the younger generation.

“By developing our outdoor area, it makes the school more attractive and distracts the children from all the daunting elements during these uncertain times.

“We are sure that it will have a positive impact on their development and learning.”

Gillamoor Primary School reopened on September 8 following the nationwide lockdown in March.

The primary school is offering a Breakfast Club from 8am and after-school provisions until 5.30pm, all including social distancing measures, additional hygiene regulations and limited contact.

“Due to small numbers we are able to work as one bubble,” added Andrea.

“We have implemented staggered start and finish times to limit the number of parents waiting outside school at any one time.

“We have forward facing desks and limiting the face-to-face contact of adults and pupils.

“Arrangements for extra handwashing and cleaning of all equipment, desks and toilet areas are in place too.

“We feel confident that we will be able to keep everyone in our school community safe and well through the implemented measures.”