Creating outdoor learning spaces at Denend Primary School
In Cardenden, Fife, a simple addition to the school playground has delivered big results, helping pupils to learn, play and connect. Thanks to funding from the Nadara Westfield Cardenden Fund, Denend Primary School has created inclusive, flexible outdoor learning spaces that are now part of everyday school life.
A community-driven approach
The Denend Primary School Parent Council is a voluntary group of 10 parents supporting the education and wellbeing of the school’s 180 pupils, including nursery children. Formed in 2019, the group works in close partnership with school staff to help shape a learning environment that meets the needs of the whole school community.
When asked what would improve their playgrounds, pupils gave a clear answer: “somewhere soft to sit” and “less tarmac.” At the time, outdoor lessons were limited by the lack of comfortable seating. Existing picnic benches could not accommodate full classes, and the hard surface environment made outdoor learning uncomfortable for many.
A school survey backed up the need. While children asked for more outdoor space, 82% of adults said they supported or were open to the idea of outdoor learning opportunities.
Project implementation
With a clear plan in place, the Parent Council set out to raise the £3,500 needed to purchase additional picnic benches. Through fundraising events, they secured £1,500 locally. To cover the remaining costs, they applied to the Nadara Westfield Cardenden Fund.
The Fund Panel awarded the full £2,000 requested, recognising the project’s practical benefits and broad community support.
Working with Fife Council to manage procurement and installation, the group chose recycled plastic benches with a 25-year guarantee, ensuring durability and environmental sustainability. By working through the council, they were also able to avoid VAT charges. A maintenance fund was set up to ensure long-term care through a mix of school budget and ongoing fundraising.
More than just a place to sit
With eight new benches installed, four in each playground, Denend Primary has doubled its outdoor seating capacity. For the first time, both P1–P3 and P4–P7 groups can hold full class sessions outside. For younger pupils, brightly coloured benches have transformed the look and feel of the playground, making it more welcoming and vibrant.
But the benefits have gone far beyond the classroom. The benches now serve as social hubs at lunchtime and pick-up time, and have become part of school events and parent meet-ups. They’ve helped turn the playground into a multi-purpose space that supports learning, community and wellbeing.
A legacy of learning and connection
By creating an environmentally sustainable space for outdoor learning, the school has introduced more creative, flexible approaches to teaching. Teachers use the spaces regularly, integrating them into everyday lesson planning. The project has also strengthened relationships between families, pupils and staff, with the outdoor spaces helping to create a stronger and sense of community.
This project shows how a simple, well-executed idea, grounded in local feedback, can have a lasting impact on school culture, pupil experience and community life.