Mud pies and water play were on the timetable after funding from a charitable trust enabled the creation of a new outdoor Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) space at Wells-next-the-Sea Primary and Nursery.

Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pupils arrived for the new academic year to find the area outside Seashells Class had been transformed, with custom-built activity sections including a mud kitchen, a construction zone, water tables and water wall, and a Maths exploration area.

Representatives from the Holkham Charitable Foundation, which contributed £6,000 to the STEM-themed project, visited usl at the start of term to view the finished work.

Marijke Kirk is EYFS Lead at our school, which is part of the Wensum Trust, and was there to welcome the visitors.

“Wells Primary and Nursery School was delighted to welcome Jane and Fiona from the Holkham Charitable Foundation to explore the newly transformed outside area for the Seashells Class,” she said.

“Thanks to generous funding from the Foundation, the school’s Reception and Year 1 pupils can now dive into hands-on learning with new STEM resources designed to extend play and explore how things work.”

She continued: “The initiative began roughly three years ago with a research-backed vision – early exposure to Mathematics and spatial reasoning is one of the strongest indicators of later academic success.

“After our Nursery Class secured initial STEM funding, we invited Peter Mitchell, CEO of the Holkham Charitable Foundation, to see if Holkham would like to join in an exciting, collaborative project.

“This broader effort connects with Hornsea Wind Farm, Egmere Energy, and the Wells Carnival to build a cohesive, through-EYFS STEM experience for even more of our children.”

Major installation work took place during school holiday periods, with structures specially designed and purpose-built for the project.

Mrs Kirk added: “Many of the outdoor features were bespoke-crafted using locally sourced wood – including a timber construction area, a large-scale water wall with interactive water tables, and interactive maths investigation stations.

“The upgraded space allows EYFS children to engage in rich, hands-on learning through open-ended STEM activities that foster early critical thinking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.

“We are immensely grateful to the Holkham Charitable Foundation for their generous donation.”