NEW additions to a playground have been unveiled at a Romsey school.

Despite damp conditions, contractors have completed the improvements at Romsey Abbey C of E Primary School.

A new fenced playground with a canopy and improvements to the school's woodland area have been made, with pupils already able to reap the benefits.

Despite the additions, some won't be ready for students until the start of the new school year this September.

It comes as the youngest students in reception get ready to move into a new classroom area that joins with the outdoor area.

Head teacher at the school, Julie-Anne Palfrey, said the focus was around developing challenges for the school's "more able pupils".

She said: "In September, our youngest children will move in to their new classroom and outdoor area. This has been fenced off, a canopy put in place for year-round use and we are busy planning the exciting learning opportunities to go into this space.

"The focus for our early years is around developing challenges for our more able pupils and this will be reflected in the choice of activities available to them both inside and outside.

"Improvements have also been made in our woodlands to ensure it can be fully utilised this term with reception and Year One pupils for Forest Schools, and for outdoor learning for all pupils linked to our science curriculum."

The school has also launched a new 'Habit of Mind' project, which is using the woodland to help increase team-building skills.

Mark Harris, the school's personal, social and health education coordinator said: "Collaboration is the new habit, which is one of seven introduced over the year, and helps pupils to increase the skills needed for working in a team.

"Using the improved woodland facilities, the children's den building has gone from strength to strength as the children make the most of the lovely weather and utilise our shady areas.

"We are seeing skills which the children are learning in the classroom put to good use at break and lunchtimes."