A NEW village is helping to bring learning to life for primary school children.

Clarendon Primary School in Great Lever has transformed part of its grounds into a fun education area, where children can drop by the investigation lab and visit the secret garden.

Children can enjoy outdoor or indoor learning in the specially developed village.

Vicky Chatterjee, headteacher, said: “Clarendon Village is a purpose-built area that provides children with opportunities to blossom outside of the classroom.

“The area encapsulates a stage area, wildlife retreat, outdoor classroom, imagination shack, investigation station and a bike track.

“Each of the areas has been thoughtfully planned and developed to capture the children’s imagination, thus enabling them to have experiences that are conducive to developing their creativity and confidence. The children are very excited about

using the area to develop their interests.”

She added: “As well as the village being utilised during daily lessons, a huge focus was to create a space that will allow

children to feel safe while trying out new challenges and experiences.

“The village will be used by all year groups and provide opportunities for children and parents to learn from each other while flourishing in all that they do.”

The area was officially opened by the Mayor of Bolton Cllr Lynda Byrne.

Clarendon Village was funded through grants and school

funds as well as fundraising activities.

The whole school community was involved in the development of the area outside reception, with teachers, governors and parents putting forward ideas.

With the help of the school council, designs were drawn up and shared with everyone in school.

This is the latest development of Clarendon Primary School, which had a new purpose built building developed in 2014 and is known as the school in the park as it was built in Heywood Park.