THIS week’s In the Classroom article features Redhill C of E Primary School. Reporter Grace Walton spent the afternoon with the reception children as they enjoyed learning in the frosty outdoors.

I was welcomed to the school by headteacher Spencer Morris who guided me around the building, which had been extended earlier this year.

Mr Morris, who has been at the school for 10 years, said: “People have been disappointed in the past because they have wanted to come to their local school, and in the past, we haven’t been able to do that as we’ve only had 30 spaces.

“The extension gives people outside our catchment a choice, but it also makes sure people who live a walking distance away a chance to get into their local school. The extension has had a positive impact on the children.”

READ MORE:

Boxing match in memory of 'brave little soldier Lukas,' 6

Man calls to re-use plastic tubs in takeaway restaurants to help environment

He added: “I love the families here and the staff team, I cannot praise them enough. They’re a fantastic bunch. They’re full of imaginative ideas to engage and hook the children’s learning.

“It’s a joy to come to work. It’s having that family feel for the place.”

The school building was extended in January due to the increase of demand. The extension included six extra classrooms and can take up to 420 children. Before the extension, the school could take up to 210 pupils. The school can take up to 60 children in reception, and the classes are split into two groups.

When I arrived, the children were writing their letters to Father Christmas. Jack Frost had paid a visit to the school, which the children seemed fascinated by. The children were working hard to melt the ice to save their toys.

The children take part in ‘child-initiated time’ where they follow their own interests and choose what they’d like to do each afternoon.

Charlotte Baskill, early years phase leader said: “They are obsessed with Father Christmas.

“The children have enjoyed seeing the seasons change. They were amazed by the ice. They love coming in with their hats and gloves on.

“I love the children. Every day is so different. When you see their progress and how happy they are it really is special.”

Miss Baskill, who has been a teacher at the school for three years, added: “We promote independence and resilience here. We give them the hook, let them think for themselves and let them decide what they want to do.

“You plan out ideas in reception, but these ideas can change so much. We are well resourced here, so if the children come up with an idea that they’d like to do, we have never had to say we can’t do it as we don’t have the resources.”