Fire-damaged school's new play area wins award

A primary school which suffered a devastating fire has marked its recovery with an award for its new outdoor play area.

Woodborough Primary School, near Pewsey in Wiltshire, was badly damaged in the fire in 2021, with 70 firefighters battling the blaze at its peak.

Pupils returned to the site a week later using temporary buildings, and the school spent 18 months revamping its outdoor facilities, which recently earned the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) platinum award.

Mark Banham, chair of governors, said: "There are fairy doors in trees, trees to climb, rope swings, a shepherd hut for quiet contemplation, scooters for the older children. The children are more or less policing themselves."

The fire began in the oldest parts of the school, which dates back to the Victorian era.

Banham said the school "bounced straight back" despite losing half its buildings.

"In a week they were back teaching on the same premises; it was extraordinary. There were ashes, but we never had to rise; there was no phoenix here because the school got right back into action," he said.

About 2,000 schools nationally are signed up to OPAL, which encourages children to play more as a way of improving their wellbeing, aiding emotional development and helping them learn to manage risk.

Staff and children at the 150-pupil school took on fundraising activities, including sponsored walks, to pay for the new play equipment.

A celebration was held earlier to mark the OPAL achievement and the school's recovery from the fire.

Banham said the children seemed more "relaxed" thanks to the varied play equipment.

"We've got a generation here who came out of Covid, and the older children spent the first two years of school at home staring at a computer," he said.

"They've had their imagination constrained, this [play facility] is drawing it out and putting it back where it should be."

Head teacher Freya Wren said: "During the school week, the children have five lunchtimes, each an hour long, so that's five hours out of their week that they've got the opportunity to play.

"Play is so important because it means that the children are communicating, collaborating, being creative, following their own interests, problem-solving, and forming new friendships not just within their age group.

"The children absolutely love it, and the staff do as well."

Pupils Holly and Coco said that the new equipment makes playtime "much happier" and means that pupils "can concentrate better because they've got all their energy out".

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