Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Jamiroquai

Deeper Underground

Listen Live

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.”

More from Local News

CCTV appeal following assault at Harrogate Tesco

Police have released a CCTV image of a person they would like to speak to following an alleged assault in Harrogate.
Council criticised over Knaresborough EE signal delays

North Yorkshire Council has been criticised after failing to provide a target date for resolving ongoing EE signal problems in Knaresborough.
Prime Minister praises Harrogate MP over disabled bus pass win

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has been praised by the Prime Minister for his campaign to remove time restrictions from disabled bus passes.
Harrogate Town sign Torquay defender Sam Dreyer

Harrogate Town have signed Torquay United centre-back Sam Dreyer for an undisclosed fee.
North Yorkshire Council set to spend £2.43m on new winter gritters

A multimillion-pound deal to replace gritters and other winter maintenance vehicles used on North Yorkshire’s roads is set to be approved.
Antiques Roadshow specialist to host Henshaws fundraiser

A jewellery specialist from BBC's Antiques Roadshow is set to appear at a fundraising event in Knaresborough.
Mother Shipton Inn celebrates successful reopening

One of Knaresborough's best-known pubs has celebrated its reopening following a major refurbishment.
Popular Harrogate pilates course returns with new weekly class

A popular pilates course for beginners is returning to Harrogate next week.
Harrogate homelessness charity receives £2,000 lunch club grant

A lunch club supporting people affected by homelessness in Harrogate has received funding for another year.
Which Harrogate businesses are taking part in Restaurant Week?

Restaurants, cafés, pubs and bars across Harrogate are preparing to offer discounted menus as part of Restaurant Week.
New Latin American food venture launches in Harrogate

A new Latin American-inspired food brand has launched in Harrogate.
Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland returns for 21st season

Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland will return to York this November after welcoming more than one million skaters over the past two decades.
Weekly community choir coming to Harrogate

A new community choir is opening in Harrogate and inviting singers of all abilities to get involved.
Brackenfield Head to step down after six years

Brackenfield School Headteacher Joe Masterson is preparing to step down after six years in the role.
Popular Ripon business celebrates decade on Kirkgate

An independent Ripon boutique is preparing to celebrate ten years of trading on Kirkgate.
Handmade gifts on offer at new Starbeck craft shed

A garden shed filled with handmade gifts, decorations and trinkets has opened in Starbeck.
Finalists announced for Harrogate Mumbler Awards 2026

The finalists for the Harrogate Mumbler Awards 2026 have been announced, with dozens of local businesses, organisations and individuals shortlisted for this year’s awards.
Popular Brick trail at Harlow Carr extended until end of September

Families visiting RHS Garden Harlow Carr will have extra time to explore its Brick Explorers sculpture trail after the popular attraction was extended until 27th September.
Nominations open for St Wilfrid’s Stars awards in Ripon

Nominations are open for this year’s St Wilfrid’s Stars awards, celebrating people and organisations that have made a difference to the Ripon community.
Work to begin on new entrance at Harrogate District Hospital

Work is set to begin on a major redevelopment of the main entrance at Harrogate District Hospital.