PUPILS at Kempsford Primary have been jumping for joy this week after the school was granted £10,000 towards new outdoor play equipment.

The money from the Big Lottery Fund will help finish the trim trail at the school and the new addition is hoped to encourage the children to take part in exercise and support healthier lifestyles.

Headteacher of Kempsford Primary School, Richard Mendum, said: “We are delighted to have received this substantial grant from the Big Lottery Fund. The award has enabled us to finish our outdoor learning environment which now includes a fantastic addition to our trim trail of an activity centre and a crawl through tunnel. It is wonderful that the Big Lottery Fund is able to support small rural community projects as ourselves as well as the more publicly well-known enterprises.

“The children have only just had the opportunity to use this new equipment during their lunchtime play, which we have already found to be a huge success. We are also intending to use it for small groups of children by delivering part of our learning and life skills curriculum during the school day. Social play, interaction and team work skills are such a crucial part of a child’s development. We are looking forward to seeing the impact of structured and free play sessions using the new elements.”

The school also intend to open up their new play area to community groups such as Brownies, Rainbows and other youth groups in the village.