IN PICTURES: Check out the fantastic new playground at Newby and Scalby Academy

Youngsters had spent five agonising weeks watching through classroom windows as contractors turned an uninviting, bare space into one filled with fun and adventure.

Head of Academy Vicky Gill said the children could not wait to try it out. “We are incredibly lucky to have this significant investment put in at children’s early stage of development,” she said.

“They have waited so patiently but they’ve been able to see it take shape through the classroom windows.

“We can’t wait for parents to see it. This is a school that enjoys a significant amount of support from families in the area.

“The project is further evidence of Delta Academies Trust’s commitment to provide a quality teaching and learning environment.

“It has created a lot of excitement across the school but, in particular, for EYFS who will benefit from it every day.

“We will be inviting other children to try it out.”

Vicky, a former pupil at the academy, thanked contractors Newby Leisure, based in Cleethorpes.

“They worked with staff to produce what we wanted, with meticulous attention to detail to produce a quality build.

“It’s also given our children plenty to think about, seeing jobs in real life.

“In role plays in their classroom, they set up construction.

“They’ve also seen how hard builders work, from early in the morning to late at night.

“The project started in their second ever week in school and they’ve witnessed the transformation by looking through their classroom windows every day.”

It was not just a playground but an environment where the children could learn.

One parent impressed with the new facility was North Yorkshire Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Craig Regan, whose four-year-old daughter Isobelle attends the academy and was enjoying the new playground.

He said: “It’s fantastic and a really good opportunity for the children to burn off energy and learn outside. It’s a really good investment.”

His team has a close working relationship with the academy, teaching the children about stranger danger. They also run a 12-week programme Mini Police programme within the school community.

“We are people who work in the community and explain to the children what our role is.”

The honours of opening the playground fell to Bodhi and Millie, both four.

Millie “loved” the new playground. “The slide is the best bit because it is long and I like slides,” she said.

“We’ve been watching the men build it every day.”

Bodhi said: “It’s really good and the slide was my favourite.

“I also liked to climb. It was fun.”

George Newby, a director of Newby Leisure, was pleased with how the project had gone.

“It was a full rip out, getting rid of old fencing, equipment and tarmacadam.

“I did the design, liaising with the teachers as to what they wanted.

“I’m really pleased with it and it’s great today to see them running around and enjoying themselves.”

Anyone looking for a school place for September 2027 is invited to visit Newby and Scalby Primary Academy on Wednesday November 18 and Thursday November 19.

Contact the school on 01723 628517 or visit its website for more details.