Official opening of multi-sensory play area at St Mary’s Lower School

The sun shone as the new play area for Kindergarten children and Preparatory girls was officially opened by St Mary’s Principal, Mrs Hilary Vipond, on Wednesday 18 September.

The play area includes natural resources which provide texture and natural planting for the children to enjoy. There is a wide range of scope for imaginative play including building, transporting and climbing. The zoned areas include a big playground pump for the children to explore water and sand play, and the kitchen garden area provides the children with everything they need to prepare a mud feast with friends!

Mrs Hilary Vipond, Principal at St Mary’s said “I was delighted to officially open the new play area today. It has already been a big hit with all the children and it was lovely to welcome so many parents and carers along today to watch all the girls and boys enjoying the space.”

Alongside our outdoor classroom and Forest School area, this new play area will provide children the freedom to be adventurous and inquisitive, help them develop social skills and build self-esteem.

Outdoor learning helps children develop stronger interpersonal skills, a greater ability to work in groups and higher self-esteem, which provides solid foundations on which to build academic achievement. At St Mary’s we believe a balanced education delivered in an engaging way, both inside the classroom and in the outdoor environment, is key to our academic success.