Children, staff and parents of Ledbury Primary School were delighted when their new playground was unveiled.

Funded through Herefordshire Community Foundation and Ledbury Primary's PTA, the area has been designed and built by Playwood of Monmouth.

The playground is for the school’s Year 1 and 2 pupils and follows the development of an outdoor classroom for Reception children.

Ledbury Reporter: Freya Holden-Griffiths and the playground's magic doorFreya Holden-Griffiths and the playground's magic door (Image: Ledbury Primary School)

Headteacher Rachel Ussher said this has not only proved popular with children but has had a positive impact on both their mental health and resilience. 

Fundraising for the latest phase in the school’s development started earlier this year, with the PTA holding numerous events including a psychic night, carnival, raffles and school discos.

These were supported by members of the community and dozens of Ledbury businesses that donated prizes.

And there were proud faces all around the school recently as the finished project was unveiled, with pupils able to finally explore the new environment. 

Mrs Ussher said: “We are thrilled with the finished playground and the children couldn't wait to start using it.

“They have loved watching the playground as it has been built over the last few weeks, particularly the incredible treehouse.

Ledbury Reporter: The new playground will spark curiosity among pupils, the schools saysThe new playground will spark curiosity among pupils, the schools says (Image: Ledbury Primary School)

“This area has been designed to spark curiosity and to offer opportunities for creative play.

“We want to express huge thanks to everyone who has helped fundraise - the generous grant as well as our PTA working hard to raise the money.

“We are now planning the next phase of the development which will include a fallen tree, climbing ropes and nets.”

Ledbury Primary School hasn’t exactly been short of things to celebrate in 2023. It was graded ‘good’ by Ofsted in the summer following an inspection in June.

The report said staff and pupils share “the same high aspirations” and that a strong emphasis is placed on pupils’ personal development.

“Throughout the school, including in the early years, positive relationships between teachers, pupils, parents and carers help pupils to be confident and happy,” Ofsted said.

“Children in the early years have an excellent start to their school life.”