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Harrogate primary school officially opens new dedicated learning space

Wednesday, 3 June 2026 08:43

The new 'Discovery Den' at Western Primary School.

Western Primary School in Harrogate has officially opening of its newly transformed "Discovery Den" - a dedicated learning space to support children across Key Stage 1.

The Discovery Den, located at the heart of the school’s KS1 area, was officially opened by James Verity of Verity Frearson, whose generous support played a significant role in bringing the project to life.

Designed and decorated by a team of staff at the school, the Discovery Den has been transformed from a clinical shared space into a “warm, inviting and therapeutic environment where children feel safe, calm and supported.”

The carefully designed space will allow for small-group interventions, quiet reading and nurture sessions.

Jaycee Ward, KS1 Phase Leader at Western Primary School, said:

“I am delighted with the transformation of the space. From a collective vision of the whole KS1 team, we wanted to create a targeted space within school that feels warm, inviting and purposeful - somewhere children can be to feel calm, settled and ready to focus.

“I would also like to say a huge thank you to Claire Magill (Deputy Head), Jen Stephenson (KS1 HLTA), Alistair Scott (Maintenance Manager) and Sally Downes (Business Manager) for their unwavering support, including fundraising, organising the Easter hamper raffle, collecting donations and even picking up a paintbrush alongside me.”

She added:

“We are incredibly grateful to all of the families who helped support our fundraising efforts.

“We also want to extend a huge thank you to Verity Frearson for their incredibly generous donation, which played a significant role in helping us transform the Discovery Den into the wonderful space it is today.”

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