Ashlands Primary unveils new outdoor play experience

Ashlands Primary School in Ilkley has announced a significant enhancement to its outdoor provision, with the installation of a new hill slide, and investment in sustainability and community-led initiatives.

Set to complement a broader programme of investment in play, sustainability and outdoor learning, the bespoke hill slide will be delivered in partnership with Sovereign. The slide has been thoughtfully designed to balance safety with exploration, creating an engaging and inclusive play experience for pupils.

A representative from the School Council said:

“We asked for something that would make playtimes more fun for everyone, and we’re really excited that it’s happening. The hill slide will be amazing, and we also love that we’re helping the environment with things like the meadow and re-use. It makes us feel proud of our school.”

Installation is anticipated in early May, subject to weather and ground conditions.

This latest addition forms part of the school’s wider commitment to creating environments that support both physical wellbeing and imaginative play — recognising the critical role outdoor spaces play in children’s development.

Alongside improvements to play facilities, Ashlands Primary School continues to deepen its focus on sustainability and community-led initiatives.

Funding from Tesco has enabled the installation of a new on-site shed, now operating as a dedicated hub for uniform exchange and re-use, supporting families with access to pre-loved clothing while reducing waste.

This investment has also unlocked the opportunity to re-establish a wildflower meadow at the front of the school, enhancing biodiversity and creating a welcoming, nature-rich setting for pupils, families and visitors.

Further strengthening its environmental commitment, Ashlands is now supported by the Grow to School programme, embedding hands-on green education into everyday school life and empowering pupils to develop a deeper connection with the natural world.

Donna Russell, Headteacher at Ashlands Primary School, said:

“We are incredibly proud to be continuing our investment in both high-quality play and meaningful sustainability initiatives.

The new hill slide will bring real energy and enjoyment to our outdoor spaces, while our environmental projects — from the wildflower meadow to our uniform exchange and re-use hub — reflec

t the values we are committed to embedding across the school community.

We are very grateful to Tesco for their support, which has enabled us to deliver practical, community-focused solutions that benefit both our families and the environment.

Being involved in the Grow to School programme is another exciting step in strengthening how we integrate environmental awareness and responsibility into everyday learning at Ashlands.”

The school added that these developments reflect its holistic approach to education — one that places equal emphasis on wellbeing, community and environmental responsibility.

By investing in both dynamic play environments and sustainable infrastructure, the school continues to create a setting where children can thrive — not only academically, but as confident, conscious individuals.