Pupils at Welton Primary School have welcomed a new addition to their playground, in the form of a magical fire pit hut they have named ‘The Nest’.

Kindly donated by Radstock and Westfield Big Local, the fire pit will be an educational platform for the children to use all year round.

Debbie Stevens, a teacher at the school and organiser of the school’s OPAL award, told The Journal: “We are so grateful to Big Local for enabling us to give the children the opportunity to use this area in their every day education.

“Our aim is to use this space to support the curriculum, as well as giving the children opportunities to be involved in forest school and working with our OPAL vision.

“So far, we have used the space for story lessons and singing sessions to practice our Christmas carols.

“This space is such a great addition as it allows space for a whole class full of children. I am hoping to bring my class out here to do theatre sessions as part of their English lessons.”

A group full of excited children gathered around the fire pit on a blustery day, and commented on how cosy and sheltered it was in The Nest, thanks to the adjustable windows that have been fitted.

Rupert, who was aware that the fire would not light if the logs were wet, said: “It is nice and cosy – I would love to drink hot chocolate in here and learn how to make the fire go.”

The school are hoping to teach the children, in this safe and controlled space, how to lay fires and safely be around them so that they can continue to use this space with all years.

Robin Moss, Chair of Radstock & Westfield Big Local said: “Big Local are proud to help this initiative where children are able to learn and thrive, supporting a great school.

“Outdoor play is healthy and fun, local schools are setting up some innovative projects and we are very happy to be a part of it.”

John Snell, Headteacher at Welton Primary School, showed his delight at the new installation, saying: “We are so grateful to Big Local as we would never have been able to afford this without them. It will be really well used and will last a long time.

“It fits in perfectly with our ethos of the school, and shows just how far we have come in terms of our outdoor play. It will be so nice for the children to have this as a permanent

feature in the playground.”