Blast of winter for Mayor’s school visit

Snowy weather didn’t spoil the fun at Merstham Primary when a new outside area for early years pupils was opened by the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead.

Councillor Frank Kelly cut the ribbon during his visit and was promptly invited for a return trip to try out the equipment when the weather is a bit more spring-like.

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​Pupils at the school, a member of GLF Schools Multi-Academy Trust, gave the countdown and were delighted with the new addition to the facilities.

Gavin Oulton, Headteacher said: "The children love their new play area, learning through 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!"

The project was led by the school’s Vanessa Cooper who worked with Tracey Free, early years specialist at GLF, and the new area includes an array of timber play resources to inspire the children.

With caves and streams, a mud kitchen, sand area and a stage, the children have no excuse to not stay indoors and they have been making full use of the new addition. The area has a focus on physical, communication and language for pupils along with social and emotional development.

The new stage will allow the children the chance to experiment with role play and develop their speaking and listening skills.

Merstham Primary has free nursery places available for children from the age of two.