Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment, enabling them to enjoy enhanced outdoor learning experiences.
Having previously been labelled as the only school in the county without permanent outdoor play structures, parents at Newtongrange Primary School launched a campaign in 2023 to update the playground to make it a more stimulating, engaging, fun and inclusive place to learn and play.
More than £700 was raised through crowdfunding to improve the playground, and this total was topped up by environmental funding allocated by local councillors Kelly Drummond, Douglas Bowen and Ellen Scott. With strong support from these councillors, the campaign gained momentum, Midlothian Council resurfaced the area and new play items and benches were purchased.
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Earlier this year, a petition led by Newtongrange Primary School Parent Council called for a more comprehensive upgrade to the school’s outdoor facilities and this was signed by more than 460 people. This was presented to Midlothian Council’s Petitions Committee in April and just one month later Midlothian Council announced it was committed to extending the school’s playground into Newtongrange Welfare Park to give pupils much-needed access to green space as well as new play equipment.
The project was completed this month and the children at Newtongrange Primary School have wasted no time in exploring the new play area and equipment. Speaking about the new facilities, Head Teacher Laura Cameron said; “Outdoor learning is a top priority here at Newtongrange Primary School. We know it has so many benefits, from improved physical and mental health, to enhanced social and cognitive skills and increased academic engagement. So we’re delighted that all our learners will now have full access to this green space and equipment to explore, engage and have fun.”
Earlier this year, Newtongrange Primary School was awarded the UNICEF UK Gold Award in recognition of its achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of its planning, policies and practice. And this new development solidifies the school’s ongoing commitment to supporting every pupil’s right to play.
