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Pupils head outdoors as school opens new classroom - in a beach hut

Stuart Anderson

Published: 1:40 AM October 1, 2019

Updated: 8:19 PM October 10, 2020

The grand opening of the new outdoor woodland learning facility at Burnham Market Primary School. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant

An old beach hut has been turned into a unique classroom at a north Norfolk primary.

The grand opening of the new outdoor woodland learning facility at Burnham Market Primary School. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant

Youngsters at Burnham Market Primary School can now learn in the fresh air in the structure, which has been doubled in size.

About 100 people were at an opening ceremony for the woodland school's new addition on Monday.

Rachel Stroulger, headteacher, said the school community was thrilled with the new facility.

"We have the most amazing team of parents, staff, governors and children at Burnham Market Primary School and we are all dedicated to provide the best learning environment both inside and outside, that we can.

The grand opening of the new outdoor woodland learning facility at Burnham Market Primary School. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant

"We are immensely grateful to many local sponsors and donors, who have given both their time and made financial contributions, to enable this whole project to work.

"'Together everyone achieves more' is our school mantra and we absolutely have shown that here."

The transformation of the beach hut followed months of hard work and fundraising by the school's friends' and parents' association, known as Fobs.

A spokesman from Fobs said: "We couldn't have done any of it without the generosity and support of the local community, for which we are very grateful.

The grand opening of the new outdoor woodland learning facility at Burnham Market Primary School. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant

"We are really proud of our excellent school and so pleased to be able to support the fantastic teaching staff by providing this renovated outdoor space."

The school has lunchtime clubs which can now take place outside in the beach hut.

The project was part of a larger scheme being run in partnership with the company Butterflies of Britain, which has included improvements being made to a woodland area on the school site and a renovation of the early years foundation stage garden area.

The company built facilities including a fire pit, a textured kitchen, parkour area and small 'world area' with story circles.

The grand opening of the new outdoor woodland learning facility at Burnham Market Primary School. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant

Butterflies of Britain is now providing woodland school classes for all children on Fridays, helping them to learn about woodland animals, insects and trees.

Mrs Stroulger said the school hoped to raise enough funds to be able to continue the classes all year.

The primary school, in Friar's Lane, is part of the Wensum Trust.

The grand opening of the new outdoor woodland learning facility at Burnham Market Primary School. Picture: Jamie Honeywood - Credit: Archant