Children ‘absolutely love’ transformed play area at Great Yarmouth primary school

Playtime has never been more fun for children at a primary school in Great Yarmouth following the opening of a new play area.

Previously, early years pupils at St George’s Primary and Nursery School had little to inspire them in the playground.

But now a world of fun and learning is theirs to explore following the completion of the two year development.

The new play area for nursery and reception pupils is comprised of a variety of sections, including a workshop, sandpit, mud kitchen and even a hobbit hole.

On Friday, the play area was officially opened with a surprise visit from Pleasurewood Hills mascot Woody Bear - who was greeted with deafening screams from the excited pupils.

Headteacher, Melodie Fearns, said: “It’s a very, very special day for us. The children absolutely love it, they can do forward rolls and make sand castles.

“It’s going to enhance the children’s learning and offer a lovely environment where they can develop their skills in play and all kinds of learning.

“Lots of our children only have backyards and this is just a fantastic place where they can use their imagination and build things and run around and do things.”

Mrs Fearns hopes the new area will encourage more parents to send their nursery and reception children to the school.

She said: “It was a piece of tarmac that wasn’t very pleasant to be in at all. It collected rubbish because of the wind so we often had to clear it out. It wasn’t an environment that children could use, so it has completely changed.

“We’re hoping that the community having seen this will take up some more places in our nursery.

“We offer 30 hours free to working parents and 15 hours free to any parents and we have places available for September if anybody wants to come.”

Singers from year two and pupils from the dance club closed the opening with Oliver Twist performances from their upcoming West End to East Coast show at Britannia Pier on July 6.

Tickets for the show are available from Britannia Pier, on 01493 842914 or at www.britannia-pier.co.ukTo enquire about places at St George’s Primary and Nursery School, call 01493 843 476.