‘Mud kitchen’ surprise for retiring Thame teacher

TO mark the retirement of Mrs Denise Walters, John Hampden Primary School’s much loved and long standing Foundation Stage Co-ordinator, the Thame school has revamped its mud kitchen in the Early Years garden.

A very wet Denise Walters (by green umbrella) with pupils from John Hampden School, during this year’s Carnival parade

Mrs Walters has worked at John Hampden Primary School for over 20 years and pioneered the mud kitchen years ago. As a surprise retirement gift to her, the staff, parents and children worked together to build a new mud kitchen with re-loved and colourfully painted kitchen equipment.

The Mud kitchen

Fellow teacher, Rachel Butler said: “In the last week of term the children were able to play in the mud kitchen and it has become a very popular feature!

“The Foundation Stage team look forward to welcoming new children in September when they will be able to prepare, mix and cook all sorts of muddy treats in the garden!”

So, what exactly is a mud kitchen? Rachel explains: “.A mud kitchen is an outdoor role play area where children use mud and equipment to make potions, pies, paint, cupcakes and anything else they fancy! It is an exciting way for children to develop their understanding of capacity and consistency, practice the motor skills of digging, scooping and pouring, extend their communication and language through the vocabulary they use, build friendships and develop their imaginations.”

Sounds fun!