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Young explorers learn about the environment (and lots more) in deepest Kent

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Youngsters at Northdown Primary School in Margate have taken to the great outdoors to boost their knowledge in a wide range of subjects.

It’s all thanks to a new Early Years play area developed using an award of £25,000 from lottery funds by Sport England towards total project costs of £29,133.

The school has cleverly combined many different features in the space available, giving children from Early Years to Junior a wide range of activities both within the formal and informal curriculum.

There is a fenced off area for football, a trundle track, a climbing area, passive play areas with sandpits and stone trays, covered areas with shelter and playground markings to stimulate the children’s imaginations and a wildlife area.

Previously unused wasteland has been transformed into a 100 metre long wildlife feature with paths, ponds, bridges and sculptures.

Teacher Justine Hopkins said almost any part of the curriculum could be taught outside.

“By using the outdoor environment we can enhance children’s learning in maths, science, art, drama and sports,” she explained.  

And nursery nurse Mandy Osman said many children who didn’t have their own gardens were enjoying the freedom and space in which they could use loud voices.

“I really can’t describe the change in the children since they have been using the new play area. Their motor skills are improving in leaps and bounds,” she added.

Northdown Primary School Factfile

• Hedgehogs have taken up residence in a special house provided for them in the wildlife area
• The children have built their own nesting boxes and bird tables
• The site is monitored by a safety committee and site manager and a contractor undertakes regular maintenance.
• A tunnel which the children can run through is one of the most popular features of the play area.
• Pedestrian crossings have been painted on the trundle track to help teach road safety.
• Children in the after-school Scientific Explorers Club study the birds, bugs and other creepy crawlies which live in the undergrowth, bog garden and log piles in the nature reserve.
• The School has it’s own ‘Angel of the North’ in the shape of a giant tree sculpture designed by the older children.  

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