Mayor opens EYFS outdoor area

The snow didn't stop Merstham Primary from officially opening their EYFS outside area today! The outside area was opened by the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Frank Kelly. The Mayor gave an engaging speech and the children unanimously agreed that they love their new play area and would love the Mayor to visit again to try out the equipment! After a countdown of 3-2-1 by the children, the Mayor cut the red ribbon and officially declared the area open. 

The much-needed new outside area was designed by Newby Leisure in conjunction with Merstham Primary who also worked closely with the GLF EYFS team. The project was led by Vanessa Cooper at Merstham Primary along with Tracey Free, GLF's Early Education and Early Years Specialist. Newby Leisure was chosen as they could deliver high-quality work with a track record of delivering on time along with excellent aftercare. The new outside area included an array of bespoke features and timber play resources, built to inspire more outdoor play for the children in line with the EYFS curriculum. All of Newby Leisure's natural timber education resources are designed and manufactured inhouse using FSC certified timbers. 

 

The focus on physical, communication and language plus social and emotional development is apparent throughout the whole play area. The new area includes caves and streams, a mud kitchen, and a sand area to encourage sensory exploration and learning through play. There is even a timber stage for children to experiment with role play and develop their speaking and listening skills. The school has free Nursery places available for children from 2 years old who would also have access to this amazing outside learning space as part of the EYFS provision.  

 

Gavin Oulton, Headteacher said, "the children love their new play area, learning though play and having fun. In fact, we now have difficulty getting them back into the classroom as they want to be outside all the time!"