The Keys Academies Trust has invested £114,000 in the outdoor learning environment and a further £28,000 into the internal classroom project, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving children the very best start to their education.

Dr Ian Young, CEO of Keys Academies Trust said: “'As a Trust, we have made it a clear priority to ensure we have the strongest educational environments for the children joining our primary schools in Reception. I am delighted with the latest investment we have made in the outdoor provision at Longthorpe Primary Academy. Taken alongside extensive redecoration and reflooring of the classrooms, this has created a safe, stimulating and exciting environment for the children.”

Head Teacher Mrs Kate Trethewy said: “We are delighted to open our new Early Years Foundation Stage outdoor area, a space designed to spark curiosity, creativity and a love of exploration through play. Outdoor learning is such a vital part of early childhood development, giving children the chance to discover, imagine and grow in a natural environment. It was an absolute honour to welcome Dwayne Fields to open the area with us, his passion for adventure and exploration is an inspiring example for our children and community.”

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework recognises play and exploration as central to children’s learning. Outdoor provision supports the prime areas of development, communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional growth, as well as, early literacy and maths. Research consistently shows that children thrive in stimulating outdoor environments where they can move freely, solve problems, collaborate, and connect with nature.

The benefits of outdoor play are well documented:

· Studies show that children who spend more time outdoors are 42% more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity (UK Chief Medical Officer).

· Research by the National Foundation for Educational Research highlights that outdoor learning improves focus and behaviour, particularly in young children.

· According to the Institute of Education, outdoor play supports resilience, self-regulation, and social skills – critical foundations for later academic success.

· A Natural England survey found that 90% of children say playing outdoors makes them feel happy and free.

Mr Dwayne Fields FRGS said: “As an explorer and adventurer, I know first-hand the power that the outdoors has to shape who we are – it builds confidence, resilience, teamwork, and curiosity. That is why I’m so excited to celebrate the opening of this brand-new EYFS outdoor area”

He added: “For our youngest children, the world is already a place of discovery. An outdoor environment like this gives them the freedom to explore, to take those first steps into adventure, and to start developing the skills that will serve them for life.

As Chief Scout, I believe every child should have the opportunity to connect with nature, to test themselves in safe but challenging ways, and to feel the joy of being outdoors. This space is not just a playground – it’s a foundation for future explorers, leaders, and change-makers. I can’t wait to see the incredible journeys that begin right here.”

Dwayne’s ethos is to “break the norm, break expectations, and inspire others to explore a life outdoors” – a message that resonated with the children, families and staff of Longthorpe Primary Academy. His visit has already sparked excitement and curiosity among pupils, perfectly aligning with the school’s vision of learning through exploration.