Children at a popular rural school on the edge of the Somer Valley are being given more opportunities to play and explore outside.

Shoscombe Church School has recently purchased three teepees for the children to 'make the most of' this summertime.

School Headteacher, Ruth Noall, said:

"Our fabulous new teepees have been installed and are proving a massive hit at play and lunchtimes with the children.

We're very grateful to FoSSA, the Friends of Shoscombe School Association, for helping to raise the money for these and our other outside play resources. The teepees are enjoyed as dens by all the children and hopefully will also be used for a Year 6 camping experience."

OPAL, Outdoor Play and Learning, is a big part of the curriculum at the school. As well as a Forest School, an allotment, and chickens for the children to look after, children also have a full selection of outside toys and equipment to be creative with.

"Play makes up about 20% of a child's day at school and so it is essential that we plan for this to be the best it can possibly be," added Ruth.

Tepee, also spelt tipi, is a conical tent most common to the North American Plains Indians. Although a number of Native American groups used similar structures during the hunting season, only the Plains Indians adopted tepees as year-round dwellings, and then only from the 17th century onward.

For more information about Shoscombe Church School visit their website www.shoscombeprimary.co.uk and follow them on Facebook at @shoscombechurchschool