THE final part of a primary school improvement programme has been completed.

St Charles RC Primary School, in Tudhoe, celebrated the opening of a £17,000 learning and play centre for pupils in the early years class.

The four and five-year-olds will be able to use the outdoor classroom, comprising a hut, slide and toys for play and socialising and other equipment for letters and numbers work.

The area, attached to the foundation stage classroom, is surrounded by secure fencing and has a cushioned floor.

The Friends of St Charles School, a support group made up of teachers and parents, provided £1,700 of the total required for the project.

Chairwoman Elaine Long said the group had waited for years for better play equipment and everyone was thrilled with the completed area, which was opened by pupils and blessed by Father Dermot Burke.

Teacher Win Brown said: "It will make a big difference to the children. It will not just be used for play but for all aspects of learning, keeping it fun and encouraging physical activity."

Headteacher Patrick Naughton said: "This is the last step we needed to take to provide the best for our pupils. Most recently we created a technology suite.

"Ofsted inspectors suggested we develop outside areas for the youngest and doing that is the final piece of the jigsaw."