Games consoles are out and growing fruit and vegetables is in for one school which opened an outdoor classroom at the weekend.Herb beds, planting areas and covered decking for lessons, are just some of the new additions at Yaxham Primary School.

Games consoles are out and growing fruit and vegetables is in for one school which opened an outdoor classroom at the weekend.

Herb beds, planting areas and covered decking for lessons, are just some of the new additions at Yaxham Primary School.

The idea behind the outdoor classroom is for teachers to be able to take pupils outside as much as possible and encourage them to spend more time exploring nature.

Foundation stage teacher Clare Barlow said: “It's fantastic. To children coming outside makes a real difference to their day.

“The contrast of environments helps their learning. Some of the pupils that struggle to concentrate indoors come on leaps and bounds when brought outside. It's learning without realising it.

“While ICT has its place, we can bring the laptops out here so they have the best of both worlds. I'm so enthusiastic about this project because it really enhances childrens' learning.”

And already class one are growing potatoes, tomatoes and cucumbers for a competition. The project took two years to complete and was funded by Diocesan Board, capital funding, and Friends of Yaxham Primary School.