PUPILS at a school which “would not have been able to afford” new play equipment if not for the generosity of councillors can now make the most of learning outdoors.

Great Tey Primary School, in Chrismund Way, Great Tey, has purchased an outdoor willow dome, play boat, and reading shelter.

The items were bought using a £3,000 windfall gifted to the school by ward councillors Lewis Barber and William Sunnucks, who dipped into a grant.

Lucy Overton, head teacher at Great Tey Primary School, said the new equipment is already proving popular with students.

She said: “The children love using our woodland area throughout the year.

“The addition of our new willow dome and outdoor classroom space has made it possible for us to the woodland for learning across the curriculum.  

“Science, maths, phonics, art - learning is much more fun outdoors.”

Governor Ben Wheeler, whose daughter also attended the primary school, which has just 80 pupils, said the funding was a lifeline.

He added: “We have been lucky because we would not have been able to afford the equipment otherwise, so we are dead grateful to the councillors for helping.

“It great to get their support and give the children these new facilities - for a small school with not a lot of budget this is a game changer.

“Now the children have something really lovely to enjoy no matter the weather.”