College Creates Small World Area for Primary School

A new ‘small world educational play area’ - that includes a miniature bridge, forest, cave and pond – has been officially opened at Somersham Primary School in Suffolk.

The outdoor interactive zone was built by a student and lecturer from Otley Colleges heating and ventilation department. (Materials were donated by CEMEX).

Youngsters aged between four and six were asked to come up with a basic plan for the educational corner that is aimed at being a fun introduction to the world of science and plants.

Headmistress, Lynette Allison, said, “We are delighted with the play area. We approached the college and they were happy to help out.”

“We are also pleased that Otley has agreed to work with us on other similar projects – including an outdoor construction area for making dens and shelters – because as well as being fun they are a great learning resource as well,” she added.

Ray Smith, from Otley’s heating and ventilation department managed the scheme with learner James Hunt.

Ray said, “We are very keen to work with the local community in a positive way and this project is an example of this.”

“It is not beyond the realms of possibility that some of these students will eventually end up at our college, therefore it would be great to think that we have helped educate some of our future learners through the creation of this project.”