ABOUT THE CASE STUDY
Creating an Outdoor Learning Space at Berkeley Primary School.
Berkeley Primary School, a small school with a strong commitment to outdoor education, sought to provide their Key Stage 1 (KS1) pupils with a safe and weatherproof outdoor space for learning. The school’s original shelter had become unsafe due to deterioration, with leaks and structural damage making it unusable. In response, a new outdoor covered space was developed through a community-focused initiative led by MCS IS, with the carpentry work undertaken by Fynn Pritchard from F P Carpentry, a local contractor passionate about supporting local good causes.
Challenge
The school’s original outdoor shelter had become unsafe, limiting the opportunity for pupils to engage in outdoor learning. The ageing structure was rotten and let in rain, posing a safety hazard. With outdoor learning becoming an essential part of the school’s curriculum, particularly for KS1 students, it was crucial to replace the shelter with a new, functional structure that could be used year-round in any weather.
Solution
MCS IS, recognising the importance of social value and community involvement, organised a project to rebuild the shelter. Local contractor Fynn Pritchard of F P Carpentry was keen to contribute to this initiative, bringing both professional expertise and a desire to give back to the local community. Together with the school, they designed and constructed a durable, weatherproof shelter that would enable KS1 pupils to learn outside in a safe and engaging environment. The project not only focused on creating a space that was functional but also aesthetically pleasing, blending into the school’s environment and providing an inviting atmosphere for students and teachers alike.
Impact
The new outdoor shelter has significantly enhanced the school’s learning provision. KS1 pupils now have access to a dedicated space for outdoor education, fostering creativity, curiosity, and physical activity in an engaging setting. This new space supports a wide variety of activities, from hands-on science experiments to creative arts, all while ensuring the children remain sheltered from the elements.for students and teachers alike.
Katie Ferris from Berkeley Primary School, expressed her gratitude:
“The new outdoor shelter has completely transformed our outdoor learning space. The children love to learn outdoors
and the British weather can restrict our outdoor play! The children are developing various different skills when they play outside such as
imaginative play, fine and gross motor skills, mathematics, communication and language skills and social skills. We have been able
to set up specific learning areas such as a sand area, construction area, water play, creative area, gravel/ digging area and a group
work table all underneath the shelter. The new shelter has enabled us to have access to this area of our learning space all year round
and we are so grateful to MCS IS for this”.
Community and Social Value
This project serves as a strong example of the positive social impact that community-driven projects can have on local schools. For MCS IS and F P Carpentry, this initiative wasn’t just about providing a new structure; it was about creating a lasting legacy that would benefit the school and the wider community. By working together, they supported Berkeley Primary School in its mission to enhance educational outcomes and promote outdoor learning, which is known to improve children’s well-being, increase engagement, and support development in early years education.
Conclusion
The creation of an outdoor covered learning space at Berkeley Primary School exemplifies how local businesses and organisations can contribute to the well-being and development of their community. The project has provided a safe, year-round space for KS1 pupils to engage in outdoor learning, transforming the educational experience at the school. It also stands as a testament to the importance of investing in community-focused projects that enhance educational environments, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on future generations.
