Welton School gets active!

Recent months have seen several significant developments in the outdoor experiences on offer at Welton Primary School.

Thanks to a generous donation from the school's PTFA, playtimes have been improved with new lunchtime play equipment.

OPAL lead, Debbie Stevens, said: “At Welton we are fortunate to have extensive grounds at the back of our school. The children have a wide range of zones to enjoy and move between. The loose parts area, football pitch and mud kitchen are always popular, but it has been great to have the funds to develop the ‘games’ area. The addition of space hoppers, pogo stick jumpers, football bibs, sensory balls, 12 JD Bug scooters (and helmets), junior tennis balls, giant Jenga and giant snakes and ladders have been gratefully received by all of the children."

In addition to this, at the end of last year the school were very grateful to receive a generous donation from Radstock and Westfield Big Local which was used to purchase a large wooden outdoor classroom big enough to hold a whole class of children. Pupils have named the new permanent outdoor learning space 'The Nest' to tie in with their bird themed class names and the aim is to use this space to support the curriculum as well as OPAL and forest schoolwork. Many pupils have already spent time using The Nest to enjoy hot chocolate, as well as story sessions and in addition to this, the PTFA have just purchased a new fire pit for all the pupils to enjoy.

A team of keen runners from Welton Primary School Running Club took part in the recent B&NES Schools' Cross Country Competition. The school running club is relatively new but has been successful so far. The club's lead said: " We are very proud of all of the children who represented Welton and took part in this event. Our running club meet once a week and run approximately 2 km along the Colliers Way cycle path - which we are lucky enough to be able to access easily from the back of our school. The children are growing in confidence and ability with many choosing to take up running on the weekends as well." The photo on page 21 shows Poppy Wood with the bronze medal she received at the event. Poppy tells us she was happy with coming third in her first cross country event and can’t wait to complete more!

The school football team have also been growing in confidence taking part in several games against local schools, as well as a local tournament at the end of last year. We look forward to watching them continue to develop as a team.