Tonge Moor Primary School opens its outdoor Forest classroom

The primary school is taking children's learning outside with the creation of its Forest classroom on its playing fields.

Reception children officially declared the new area open by creating their own exciting adventures.

Eatock Primary School in Westhoughton, which was among the first schools in the borough, to use the power of the nature to inspire youngsters by creating a Forest classroom, helped the school design and create it.

Tonge Moor Primary School celebrates opening of its outdoor Forest classroom. Pictures by George Haslam

It includes a large seating area, which can be covered, a mud kitchen, tyre swings and wooden slides as well as many areas designed to spark children's imaginations, increase their confidence and develop their social and personal skills ­— while having lots of fun.

Headteacher Nicola Whittaker said: "Some of our pupils assisted with the build and we have now started to use the provision through a Forest School project led by Jessica Elsworth, who is a Forest School specialist.

"We are fortunate to have beautiful grounds, including a substantial field. Part of the field had the remains of the an outdoor provision which had sadly come into disrepair to the point where it was unusable.

"Eatock Primary school kindly agreed for key members of our team to visit their well-established Outdoor learning provision. Their impressive provision really excited our team about the possibilities available on our own site. We have continued to work closely with their Outdoor specialist, Rob Lackenby, who has advised us on the design of the area.

Tonge Moor Primary School celebrates opening of its outdoor Forest classroom. Pictures by George Haslam

"Every child will benefit from this extraordinary resource gaining skills and knowledge that cannot be provided in the classroom, as well as the benefit it will provides to mental health and wellbeing."

And youngsters said they were wowed by it.

EXPLORERS: Youngsters at Tonge Moor Primary School explore their new Forest provision. Pictures show children using the new equipment as well discussing their next new adventure in the Forest classroom, which the school will use to enrich their

Chloe Robinson, aged five, said: "It is wow! I like the tyre swings. It is fun for everyone."

James Marsden, also five, added: "It is fun and we went to find some magical places."

The opening of the new area is a huge boost for the school after vandals targeted their outdoor area and damaged school property.

But said Mrs Whittaker, Eatock school came to the rescue.

"Recently, Mr Lackenby kindly came back after the build to repair damage that had been caused by vandals one evening," she said: "We were very grateful for this and despite the challenge of vandals outside of school hours, our dedicated staff remain committed to ensure that our children have access to the very best learning experiences and resources."