AN OUTDOOR classroom designed to help schools limit the spread of coronavirus has been created by an Oxfordshire company.

Furniture manufacture Learniture, based in Watlington, has made the sheltered structure which can seat 15 pupils.

It has a wooden frame and open sides to allow a fully ventilated space. Also included are portable worksurfaces and cubes that can be used as seats or as worksurfaces.

White Waltham Academy, in Berkshire was the first school in the country to install the outdoor learning space, called studio.

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James Clarke, from the company, said: “These are challenging times for educators and we want to help solve some of the problems schools are facing.

"Studio helps with the issue of capacity in schools while bringing new learning opportunities.

"Being outside, close to nature, reduces stress so learning outside could help children overcome the challenges of recent months and support them as they readjust to the rigours of school life."

He added: "Studio is a joyous place to learn, it’s invigorating to be outside and because the furniture is agile you can use the space to explore new ways of learning and working together. "