New investments at Ferryhill primary school

Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School in Ferryhill has celebrated the opening of two major new facilities, writes volunteer community journalist, Mona Schulze. A new outdoor STEM learning area and a refurbished swimming pool were officially unveiled on 26 June, offering improved learning opportunities for the pupils of Ferryhill.

A previously unused area of the school has been transformed into an inclusive outdoor learning space. The new STEM learning area was officially opened by MP Alan Strickland, who welcomed the investment, highlighting the benefits of taking lessons beyond the classroom and into the fresh air.

“Learning doesn’t have to be done in one particular way. Learning happens constantly, continuously, in every minute of every day,” class teacher, Karen Taylor said.

The outdoor area has also been designed with inclusion in mind. It aims to benefit all pupils, particularly those with learning difficulties or who struggle to concentrate in a traditional classroom environment. “We want every child that comes here to feel like they’re valued, included and get the most out of it,” she added.

More than STEM

Although it’s called “STEM learning area”, the new outdoor classroom is far more than a space for science lessons: it’s for practical learning, quiet reading or simply a change of scenery for pupils who need time to reset. Teachers can now move lessons outdoors whenever appropriate, offering a more practical and flexible learning environment.

Built in a previously unused corner of the school grounds, the space is secure, sheltered and easy for staff to supervise – making outdoor learning possible throughout much of the year.

Sustainability has been at the heart of the project, too. High-quality furniture made from recycled materials has been chosen to stand the test of time. “We were very conscious that the things that we bought would be long lasting,” Ms Taylor explained.

The project was partly funded through a grant from engineering company Cummins, which has worked closely with the school for several years. In addition to financial support, Cummins also gave them the manpower to build the new learning area.

The school sees the new facility as just the beginning of its plans for outdoor education. “It’s the first step before we go on to bigger projects,” Ms Taylor said. They hope to expand outdoor learning even further and make it a greater part of everyday school life.

Brighter swimming lessons

During the event, a second announcement was also made: More than 50 years after it first opened, the swimming pool at Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School has been given a complete makeover. Bright new wall panelling, soft rubber flooring, new windows, seating and refurbished changing rooms have transformed the facility into a modern, welcoming space.

“The whole learning setting now has just dramatically been lifted. It’s more friendly, more welcoming than what it was,” said Swimming and Aquatics Development manager, David Bullen.

“As they come through the doors, they’re welcomed into a lovely environment that makes them want to be here and want to learn,” he added. According to him, the new design also helps build children’s confidence – an essential part of learning to swim: “For little children, it’s much easier to get into the water when they feel comfortable in their surroundings.”

Another key feature is the pool’s one-metre depth, helping beginners feel safer in the water: “A lot of kids don’t go swimming, so it might be their first time being in a pool and it’s great that they can feel the bottom.”

Although located on the grounds of Broom Cottages Primary and Nursery School, the pool serves 17 schools across the local area. More than 400 children use the facility every week, while teachers benefit from shorter travel times, reducing time away from the classroom.

Operated by County Durham Council’s aquatics service, the pool is funded through contributions from participating schools, with all income reinvested into its maintenance and operation.