A PRIMARY school has celebrated the opening of its "purpose-built" outdoor classroom.

Holy Trinity CE Primary School, in Cuckfield, has seen a new outdoor classroom officially opened in its grounds.

The school, in Glebe Road, says it has long-valued using its seven-acre site as a key part of the education of its pupils.

Its large grounds include woodland, meadow habitats and a stream, making it a fitting location for Forest School experiences, which is an outdoor education delivery model that sees pupils visit natural spaces to learn personal, social and technical skills.

The Argus: The outdoor classroom at Holy TrinityThe outdoor classroom at Holy Trinity

The opening ceremony on Friday December 3 involved children, school staff, the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Grounds Team and governors, as well as donors to the project.

Local philanthropist, Sir Richard Kleinwort carried out the ribbon-cutting, as well as making a financial contribution to the project.

The classroom is a wooden construction, featuring large tables and benches, that can accommodate a whole class. Lighting and chalkboards have also been added.

Headteacher, Ann MacGregor said: “Having a purpose-built outdoor classroom has been a dream of mine since I became Head here five years ago.

"Our children are so fortunate to have such wonderful school grounds, it is vital that we make them an integral part of the children’s day-to-day education.

“Now, thanks to the incredible generosity of local donors and grants, we have a wonderful outdoor space which not only supports the education of pupils, but also the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and adults alike.”

The guests at the ceremony, also including Mid Sussex District councillor Robert Salisbury, and local landowner Susan Mayou, were greeted by Holy Trinity’s Year 6 Values Ambassadors and led to the classroom through the Forest School’s area.

They were able to see a Year 6 class completing fire-building, badge-making and den-building activities as part of their termly Forest School session.

Four ambassadors - Holly, Luka, Georgie and Lars - delivered speeches they had written, telling guests how much the outdoor facility meant to them and how it is used to deliver lessons and lunchtime nurture clubs.

Paulina Hechenleitner, from the school’s dedicated Grounds Team, spoke about her role in delivering Forest School sessions, funded by the PTA, alongside Year 2 teacher, Gaby Dobson.

The outdoor classroom was built by Haywards Heath’s Bluebird Building Company, which was selected following the tendering process.

Bluebird’s owner, Phil Merchant, whose children used to attend Holy Trinity said he built the structure “with love”.

Other donations were received from the school’s PTA and Cuckfield Bonfire Society, as well as money from grant applications.

The classroom interior was decorated with artwork created from recycled items, provided by Holy Trinity’s after-school Art Club, run by parent and governor, Nicola Brewerton.

Have you got a story for us? Email news@theargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01273 021 400.