Dedham primary school children enjoy new play equipment

New play equipment was installed at Dedham Church of England Primary School over the Easter holidays.

Since then, it has proved very popular with children all over the school.

Earlier this year, the school invested in new playground games and toys to improve playtime provision.

Older children have also been appointed as playleaders to support the younger pupils.

Fun - Children enjoying the new play equipment (Image: Gemma Chester)

Dedham Parent Group provided most of the funding for the new adventure playground.

However, proceeds from the annual Dedham Run also contributed.

The overall total was £20,000.

Gemma Chester, head teacher of Dedham Church of England Primary School, said: “All of our children are incredibly lucky to have such fantastic play equipment which is solely for their use. Many children have compared our new facilities to those at public play parks.

“At Dedham, we truly value the importance of play in enabling children to be ready to learn and enabling them to flourish as individuals.

“We are very appreciative of our Parent Group and all of our families who have helped to make this happen - children are benefiting from the use of excellent resources and equipment - the atmosphere at break and lunchtimes is incredibly positive."

Teamwork - Play leaders have been chosen to watch over younger pupils (Image: Gemma Chester)

The new adventure playground and play equipment are among several new initiatives for the school.

There is also the launch of new Forest School provision and plans to re-stock and revamp the school library.

Both objectives are supported by the Parent Group.

Even more additions are planned to benefit the pupils.

In March, the school submitted a planning application to install entrance gates to the car park.

This is to improve safeguarding for pupils while on the premises as there is currently insufficient boundary fencing and an insecure perimeter.

A spokesperson for North Essex Premises Group said: “Once a pupil exits through this route, they are free to navigate the car park and ultimately leave the premises undetected.

“The car park entrance is the main vehicular access point to the site, allowing staff to park, for deliveries to be made and waste to be collected.

“At any point during the school day, vehicles and pedestrians are free to enter the car park and manoeuvre within.”