MORWENSTOW-based primary school, St Mark’s C of E, has just enhanced its facilities with a new covered outdoor learning area so pupils can gain access to the outdoors whatever the weather, allowing them to benefit from the sensory learning opportunities that the outdoors has to offer.

The staff that work for the school, which was founded in 1844 and has around 80 children, had dreamed of having a canopy installed at the school, so they were delighted when the Diocese of Truro offered to help with their project and turned their dream into a reality.

Headteacher, Carol Nesham, has worked for the school for 11 years, and said: “We wanted a canopy installed to improve access to the outside for our Reception and Key Stage One pupils. They are supposed to be able to play outside often and that area is very exposed, as well as battered by North Cornish rain. Thanks to our new covered outdoor learning area, our children have been enjoying a wealth of activities such as role play, (currently a café), learning activities such as phonics and number work, free play, sand and water and much more.”

The canopy, which was supplied and installed by Able Canopies Ltd, provides protection from all weather conditions.

Carol added: “The canopy has changed the whole view of the building and brought it into the 21st century (it is on the oldest part of the school). It looks modern and welcoming. The service was excellent — it was installed during school time but with minimal disruption and no mess.”

The children also love their new canopy and the play and learning opportunities it provides.

Elsie in the Reception class said: “I like to play with the cars under it,” Lottie in Year 1 said: “It’s nice, I like that it keeps us dry,” while Freya in Year 2 said: “It looks nice.”

Staff members have also commented on how the new area has added to their teaching experience.

They said: “It’s the fact that you can use it in all weather, it’s fantastic. We have much more access to the outdoors now we have our new canopy. The children love being under it in the fresh air whatever the weather, it’s made a real difference.”