CHILDREN at Hayward’s Primary School can enjoy a range of new outdoor play equipment, which has been added to existing equipment, thanks to funding raised by Haywards Parent/Teacher Association (PTA).

Safety matting has been laid along the entire length of the play equipment to create an all-weather play area.

New headteacher, Andy Smith said: "We are very lucky at Hayward’s to have a fantastic PTA who work tirelessly to ensure that money is raised for projects in school.

"Already this year the play equipment has been installed, the PTA have helped provide resources for our new cooking area and they are funding a project to introduce animals to the school.

"They are incredibly committed and give up their time for free.

"The children, staff and I are very grateful for the hard work that they put in for our school."

Two new classrooms have been built at the school and are now occupied by children from Year 6.

A new Key Stage Two library will be housed next to the new classrooms as well as a computer area. There is also a large space which is yet to be filled.

Hayward’s have many plans for more improvements to the school including building some new outdoor play equipment for the younger children in the front playground.

Andy Smith recently joined Hayward’s as headteacher after spending 14 years at Landscore Primary School in Crediton where he started as a newly qualified teacher.

Over the years he held various roles; SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator), Maths Co-ordinator, teaching and leadership responsibility, Assistant Headteacher and Acting Head for two terms.

Andy explained: "I feel really privileged to be part of Hayward’s School.

"It is a lovely school, with a fantastic community feel.

"Having attended the ’Harry Potter’ themed summer fair and seeing the number of children attending discos organised by the PTA, I can see how closely the school works with the children and families to provide the best experience for the children in our care.

"Already we are working on developing the grounds for the children.

"Alongside the new play area that the PTA funded, we now have dedicated Design Technology, art and music rooms which we are opening for visitors to see after half term.

"We have two brand new classrooms for our Year 6 children and have installed an all-weather path, which will allow the children to access a new animal area, designed and built by the Year 5 and Year 6 children, which will house rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens.

"It is an exciting time at our school.

The parents, staff and children have made me feel very welcome and I’m looking forward to giving 100 per cent to Hayward’s in the years to come."