First look at Barrow school's unique new nursery facilities

Dane Ghyll Community School and Nursery unveiled its new development to both its pupils and followers on social media.

The building has been nicknamed 'The House', which was inspired by its former resident.

"We've actually taken over the caretaker's house," said headteacher Pete Mills. "We've spent the last six to eight months re-designing it and we welcomed students in today for the first time.

"It's a really exciting development as not only can we now take more pupils but we've put a lot of work into several special areas.

"We have an outdoor area which is a much bigger space and includes a pond and some frogs to encourage the children's interest in wildlife. 

"We have quite a few rock bands in the school now so we've created a music studio so the little ones can also play. 

"Upstairs we have a brand new sensory room that we're really proud off."

A video posted on the Dane Ghyll School Facebook page shows the coats and bags area before moving inside to show the array of wooden toys and learning equipment on offer. 

Around the corner is a small kitchen area for the adults before double doors lead out into a lawned area. 

A further 'secret' door leads to an picnic area full of benches and bark pathways which lead through wooded archways. 

The school has become known for innovative approaches to education after becoming one of the first schools in the UK to swap French lessons for sign language tutoring.

This week marks the start of the government's new policy to provide free childcare for up to 15 hours for two-year-olds with increased demand on the sector anticipated. 

Mr Mills added: "We try to be ahead of the curve and this is no exception when it comes to our two-year-olds.

"The nursery facilities have been very much designed with the government's extra funding in mind."