A new outdoor learning environment has been opened in north Norfolk, aimed at engaging and teaching younger pupils in a new way.

The Early Years learning environment was opened at North Walsham Prep School at St. Nicholas House.

Unfortunately due to illness, Member of Parliament for North Norfolk Norman Lamb was unable to attend the ceremony, but head boys at the school Oscar and Stirling stepped up to the occasion.

Shelley Leggett is the deputy head and EYFS co ordinator at the school, she said: 'We had a great nursery and reception classroom but they were physically separated and we place a great importance on integrating provision.

'In the nursery classes children enjoy learning through play and it is vitally important to ensure that those that are ready to begin their journey into areas of the Reception curriculum are able to do so seamlessly.'

She added: 'Our nursery already benefits from access to all of the schools facilities and specialist teaching such as Music, Sports and Languages and our new EYFS area will provide a common play and teaching area that will further allow integration with older children when appropriate.'

Headmaster, Philip Oldroyd, added: 'There is no doubt about the critical importance of early years education, of supervising and nurturing the first steps. The children are already enjoying the majority of their lessons outside and I am confident this new area will boost their learning at such an important time in their lives.'