South Derbyshire MP helps Weston-on-Trent primary pupils take learning outside after opening their new Forest School

Samantha Niblett MP opens the new yurt at Weston-on-Trent Primary School helped by pupils in Wrens class

placeholder image — Samantha Niblett MP opens the new yurt at Weston-on-Trent Primary School helped by pupils in Wrens class

South Derbyshire MP Samatha Niblett has been helping Weston-on-Trent Primary School pupils take more lessons in the fresh air after opening their new Forest School.

The 148-pupil school on Forrester Avenue welcomed the local MP to officially cut the ribbon on its latest Forest School area that has been created in a playing field.

The inclusive space has been kitted out so pupils can enjoy regular lessons out there, practising core learning skills such as maths and reading with the natural world as inspiration.

This is the second Forest School area that has been created at Weston Primary, with the MP also cutting the ribbon on a new yurt during her visit.

Samantha Niblett MP opens the new Forest School at Weston-on-Trent Primary School

Samantha was given a tour of the school by eager pupils who got the chance to hear about the life of an MP during a Collective Worship on the theme of democracy.

Head teacher Mark Hibbert said: “We were delighted that our MP Samantha took the time to come and visit Weston Primary School and do us the honour of opening our new Forest School.

“At Weston it is important to us to allow our pupils to thrive by offering inclusive spaces where they can learn in the best way possible.

“All our pupils get the opportunity to enjoy learning in our Forest School and with our new yurt, willow tunnel, Viking tent, pots, pans, camp fire and huge tyre – along with so many other things – there is so much for them to get stuck into and enjoy.

“We’re very grateful to our Diocese for providing funding for our new spaces and to the whole team at Weston for working so hard to create these fantastic areas. Children learn best when they are relaxed and engaged and I know how much they will enjoy learning in these new spaces – bringing that enthusiasm back into the classroom too.”

Samantha said she had been “blown away” by her visit to the school.

She said: “Weston-on-Trent Primary School is a wonderful inclusive environment where they bring the outdoors inside. The children are getting the chance to play and learn in this new Forest School – I saw a maths class taking place outside. This is a wonderful, calm school led by an incredible head teacher who really cares about these children.”