A SCHOOL is appealing for outdoor toys as children will spend most of the day outside during the Coronavirus pandemic.

As pupils have started returning to school, the parents-teacher association from North Worcester Primary Academy have launched an appeal for the public to donate outdoor toys and equipment, as the school is newly built and has limited outdoor toys.

Emily Calvert, assistant head, said: “During this unusual re-opening of schools, we have decided to lead our recovery curriculum with the children spending as much time outdoors during the day as possible.

“The opportunities for learning outside the classroom are varied and exciting, with two forest schools, a large multi-weather astro and extensive playground areas, we are spoilt for choice at North Worcester. But, being a brand new build, we have limited outdoor toys.

“With the children in small isolated groups, we would like to ask for any donations of pre-loved safe outdoor equipment to be brought to the school in the next two weeks. Unfortunately, we cannot accept anything that is broken or unsafe.”

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Donations can be brought directly to the school during school hours until June 12. People are asked to buzz through to the office and then leave toys in the shaded pavement area outside the school. The two-metre social distancing rules will be abided whilst on the school grounds in John Comyn Drive.

The children have been grouped in seven different classrooms, each has its own toilet, hand washing facilities and external door.

Mrs Calvert added: “The friends have bought each of our beautiful classrooms a bubble machine.

“The children returned today full of smiles and joy as every classroom was a mass of bubbles and laughter.”

A key worker parent, Samantha Hughes, said: "Emily has been at school throughout the Covid-19 outbreak because of me being on the frontline.

"It has been a really unsettling time as Emily had to be moved to another school where were lots of new teachers, pupils, environment and routine.

"When Emily got told she was going back to her old school, there was lots of questions. Her main question and concern was could she still play with her friends and have fun? When I dropped her off this morning there were lots of bubbles and friendly faces.

"I think that answered Emily's question."

Jemma Thompson, who is on the parents-teacher association, said: “We are asking for any donations to help make their return to school a little more fun and enjoyable.”

Homebase and Halfords have each donated a gazebo.

M Pinches & Sons Transport Ltd will be collecting the donated items and delivering them to the school.

The school opened last September after being given the go-ahead to cater for the over-subscribed catchment area in North Worcester after pupils struggled to find places at schools near their homes.