Member Article

These kids aren’t mucking around!

Pupils at a school in Scotswood have been ‘mucking in’ to boost their learning, thanks to the creation of a muddy play pit.

The children have been developing their motor skills through creative play and where we might see just mud, these youngsters have been exploring far and wide.

New Tyne West Development Company (NTWDC) – the regeneration partnership creating new homes at The Rise development nearby - funded the works, which were carried out by construction business HMH Civils.

Early Years coordinator and Reception teacher, Nicola Bond, said: “This new learning area has opened up a world of outdoor learning opportunities to our enthusiastic pupils. Creativity has increased ten-fold allowing the children to open their minds and lead their own learning in a safe environment. Tactile play like this is fantastic for developing fine motor skills which help children who are starting to master pencil control back in the classroom. Thanks to NTWDC and HMH Civils for providing this excellent resource for us.”

NTWDC is a joint venture between Newcastle City Council and Keepmoat, established in 2013, to breathe new life into the west of the city through a £265 million, housing led regeneration programme. Since building began more than 500 homes have been completed at The Rise, in Scotswood.

Lee McGray, Director of NTWDC, said: “Our partnership has a great relationship with Bridgewater Primary School and have worked on a number of projects together to benefit the pupils – many of whom live at The Rise. We are delighted that this muddy play area is providing a safe and fun place for the children to learn and grow.”

Andy Lee, Construction Manager with HMH Civils, added: “We have helped with a number of projects for the school and it is always a privilege to help and curate outside playing areas. The muddy play area will enable the pupils to explore and benefit from playing in a controlled muddy environment.”

*Photo caption: (L-R) Social Value Manager for NTWDC build partner Keepmoat North East, Geoff Scott; Bridgewater Primary School Early Years coordinator and Reception teacher, Nicola Bond and HMH Civils Construction Manager, Andy Lee with pupils from Bridgewater Primary School.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Paul Dobbie .