PLAYTIME will soon be twice as good for pupils at Ruskin Junior School now work has started on their new playground.

Yesterday builders began digging in the play area at the Stratton school for the start of a project, which will double the size of the existing Tarmaced area and stop it from flooding when it rains.

It is the first phase of a bigger plan to also install a parents’ waiting area and climbing frame out of money from the council as well as money raised by the school itself.

Headteacher Simon Burrell said: “We want to create a stimulating environment for our children to be in, one where they get excited to play outside and be physical.

“It will be a creative inspiration area, that’s what we want. If they are climbing around on things it helps their writing too.”

Over the next three weeks, builders will be re-surfacing the area and installing drainage pipes to stop it flooding.

“Whenever it rains it starts building up and floods,” said Mr Burrell.

The work will increase the playground capacity to 400 children instead of 200 and when it is complete the Tarmac will also be painted with games and maths problems.

This stage of the work is costing £80,000, which the school was given by Swindon Council.

A climbing frame is also being installed, which the school will pay for itself out of £40,000 it has raised especially for the project.

They have so far raised £30,000 and will be working hard over the next few months to raise the final £10,000.

“The children planned it all and told us what they want,” said Mr Burrell.

“They are meeting their representatives and they are spending the money because we want them to realise how expensive it is. They have to look at which company is cheaper and has better quality materials.”

It is hoped that the project will be completed by the end of the summer term in July.