A PRIMARY school in Teesdale is now able to take learning outside the classroom after securing a £10,000 Big Lottery Fund grant.

Montalbo Nursery and Primary School, in Barnard Castle, officially unveiled their new learning environment when special guest and Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowden, joined the children, teachers and town councillor John Blissett for the grand opening.

New headteacher, Amanda Fawcett, said the school secured the grant from the Awards for All scheme after applying in January.

The nursery and after school club children now have access to several sensory activities including a wildlife area to study bugs, a trim trail to develop movement, a sand pit and even a tipi for role playing.

“We have made a huge investment into our early years and really brought it up to date which has led to a successful Ofsted recently.

“We had our grand opening and it was superb and we are over the moon with the development.”

Ms Fawcett said the school had also contributed £1,500 to the project which also allowed them to refurbish inside too.

“The children love it and are really excited now – they will not want to be in the classroom but will be challenging themselves a little more,” she added.

“There’s lots of opportunities to develop the full range of learning areas, not just play, they have got a wildlife environment and other areas which focus on their speaking and listening.”

Ms Fawcett said nursery teacher, Rose Taylor, and Richard Smith, from the company Dig It collaborated on the project while also asking the children what they would like to see in the area.

The children also created all the signs for the area.

Mrs Snowden praised the project and all involved.

She said: “It was an excellent day and the children were engaging with me with absolute confidence.

“I think the new equipment is first class especially with the design and the children will gain confidence from it.

“Play is such an important part of early learning, it’s a crucial part because it raised self confidence and self esteem and that’s so important.”