Friends of Barnham School provide new outdoor learning space

Schoolchildren in Barnham can now combine the great outdoors into their lessons following the construction of an outside classroom.

The Friends of Barnham School (FoBS) collected donations to build the outdoor structure, which can seat around 30 children.

The small committee and its supporters raised £5,000 towards the new building’s construction following a request from the school for an outdoor learning space.

Three generations of headteachers were present at its opening on December 5 - former head Simon Rance, current acting head Pip Whiteside, and incoming head Amy Arnold, who takes up her new post in January.

FoBS chair Wendy Marsh said: “We have had a really good year where all the parents have pulled together. It is about them as much as the committee.

“We are quite proud of the fact that we got it done as quickly as we did. We envisaged it would take us two years to raise the money, but it only took us one.”

Mrs Whiteside said: “It is an exciting opportunity for the children to be outdoors getting fresh air while they are learning.

“The Friends raised an awful lot of money for a small committee. It is quite an achievement.”

Built over the October half term by local firm Brookscapes, the outdoor classroom is designed to be used for subjects across the curriculum.

Lessons have already started in the new space, which is intended to be used throughout the year.

“It is helping the children to be more aware of where they live, in the lovely Suffolk countryside,” said Mrs Whiteside.