Rose Green schools enjoy fresh-air play day

All 365 children at the junior school were able to enjoy the outdoor fun in its Raleigh Road grounds.

The nearby infant school also joined in the occasion.

It largely escaped the rain to enable the children to experience enjoyment outside their classrooms and the strict time restraints of normal school days.

Junior school pupils had the chance to take part in old-fashioned games such as tyre swings and making camps.

Adult supervision was kept to a minimum.

Those enjoying themselves in the fresh air included Natasha Kewin, 11.

She had been on the quiet area’s patio drawing as well as clambering on the tyre swing.

“It’s really fun,” she said. “We get the chance to do more things than we normally would and it’s a great opportunity for us to do what we want without any adult interference.”

Also having fun was Ollie Luxton, ten.

He said: “I’ve been playing football with my friends and building a fort out of building blocks.

“I expect I’ll be playing with my friends in the afternoon and playing a bit of badminton.

“It’s a lot better than sitting in a classroom.

“I can get outside and be more active and healthier.”

The idea arose from a petition launched by fellow pupil Luke Petronijevich-McDowall, eight, as reported in the Observer.

Linda Slinger, the junior school’s head, said: “The children couldn’t believe it when we said they could play outside all day instead of just 15 minutes at break-time and an hour at the most at lunch.”

A visit from the Play Rangers and the Fit for Sport helpers added to the activities the pupils could enjoy.