A KEIGHLEY primary school has received glowing praise from a Government minister.

Trudy Harrison, minister for the natural environment, paid tribute during a visit to Eastwood Community School.

She was at the Victoria Avenue site to see its award-winning outdoor learning centre.

Ms Harrison chatted to staff and pupils about the host of outside activities provided to help children get close to nature.

The school was awarded the coveted Learning Outside the Classroom Mark gold award in 2021 in recognition of its work.

A school spokesperson says: "Learning outside the classroom is a core component of our curriculum offer.

"We are committed to facilitating a whole host of outdoor learning activities, as well as bringing learning to life through curriculum-linked visits, experiences and visitors.

"Our outdoor learning centre is all about raising the achievements, self-esteem and confidence of our pupils. It enriches and enables children to develop knowledge of lifeskills through continuous and progressive learning.

"It has an impact on positive behaviour and adds depth and links to the curriculum, but also it is creative and fun! Seeing children working in a different and unusual way outside can have huge positive effects back inside the classroom. The children hold themselves in higher esteem because they have been learning in an environment that has enabled and challenged them to be successful."

Ms Harrison was accompanied on the visit by Keighley MP Robbie Moore.

He praised the "positive impact" the school is having, on its pupils and the wider community.

Mr Moore added: "We know that learning outside the classroom can have extremely positive impacts on children's health and wellbeing, providing some of the most valuable and memorable experiences in a young person's school life.

"That’s why I was thrilled to see how Eastwood Community School has embraced outdoor learning as a core part of its curriculum, and its achievement of Learning Outside the Classroom Mark gold shows its leadership in providing valuable outdoor learning experiences to all students.

"The Government's 25-year Environmental Improvement Plan – which commits to ensuring that 'learning in and about nature happens at every level of education' – emphasises the importance of nature-based learning, and it is fantastic to witness schools like Eastwood contributing to this national vision.

"A huge 'thank you' goes to all the hardworking staff and students at Eastwood for hosting us – the positive impact you are having on our community is exemplary."