HAVING fun is easy for pupils at Craigmarloch School - thanks to new accessible play equipment.

Some children turned out for our snapper George Munro to try out the colourful play equipment for the first time after it was recently installed.

And all were quick to give it the thumbs up.

Aileen Morgan, deputy head at the school, said the investment will help with the children's development.

She added: "Everything that has been installed will make a huge difference.

"The climbing frame was only completed the other week and some of the children have still to play on it.

"It is accessible with different elements to it. It taps into skills like balance and also has some musical aspects and a ramp to it can be enjoyed by children who rely on wheelchairs.

"It is low enough for children to climb safely and is ideal for those with mobility issues. It is very inclusive, which is what we are all about at Craigmarloch.

"I think the frame is really good, but all of the new equipment will prove popular.

"It is good for children, given the current situation we're in with so much learning being done sitting at a screen, to be able to get out and enjoy the fresh air."

Aileen says there are up to 30 children in Craigmarloch's hub, with some coming for one day or more. Other pupils are actively involved in learning remotely with staff working hard to make everyone feel included.

She added: "We also have some children who are shielding but we are keeping in touch with them through Microsoft Teams and once a week over the phone.

"Some pupils come in to see us for a single day and some of them are here more often than that. They enjoy speaking to their friends and it is good to keep them interacting with others.

"We would like to have them all back if we could - we miss all of our pupils very much.

"Hopefully we will be able to routine to a more normal routine in the not too distant future."

The investment at the school is part of the council's £200,000 programme to provide accessible play equipment across 13 sites in Inverclyde.

As well as the climbing frame, the upgrade includes a wheelchair-friendly roundabout and a new play ramp.