A ROMSEY school brought new and existing families together for the first time as a new school year starts.

Stroud School in Romsey kick-started the return to school this week by hosting its first ‘Welcome Picnic’ on the first day of term.

The school said it was "absolutely delighted" by the turn out from new and current families.

It provided an opportunity for all teachers, children and families to be together again after such a long period of being apart only meeting virtually.

The school has announced that, from this new academic year, it has moved to a three-form entry in Middle School for Years 3, 4 and 5 and in Year 6, the start of their Senior School at Stroud, it is starting the new academic year with a four-form entry.

Further changes at the school include a new adventure playground with log towers and climbing nets, as well as two hammocks.

Stroud has hired a new Outdoor Ranger, Mr Silas Caie, who will be focusing on unlocking the potential of the school’s extensive natural areas while developing the provision of learning outside the classroom across all year groups.

He said: “This is a really exciting time here at Stroud School and we plan to get all our children outside, making the most of our 22 acres of land, come rain or shine.

"We have many exciting projects coming up where all our children can brace the outdoors and really tap into their curiosity, creativity and love of nature.”