Launceston Primary School Opens New Mud Café for Pupils

Launceston Primary School, part of Athena Learning Trust, has opened a brand new on-site café this term — but there’s a twist. The “Mud Café” serves up a different kind of brew, made entirely from the natural ingredients found on the school’s playing field.

Brewing Up Imagination

Every “drink” on the menu is a herbal-style infusion, crafted from stones, sticks, leaves and, of course, plenty of mud. Pupils have thrown themselves into their new roles as baristas, blending leaf-based concoctions to a tea during break and lunch times.

The creation of the Mud Café was made possible with help from Mr Salisbury at Bradfords Building Supplies and Mr Rosevear, who constructed the new play area.

Purposeful Play at the Heart of Learning

The school’s approach to learning goes beyond the classroom. Staff at Launceston Primary encourage pupils to engage in purposeful play, which they see as a vital life skill. Immersive learning and outdoor play form a core part of the school’s curriculum and ethos, helping children to connect with the natural world.

According to the school, regular outdoor learning boosts confidence, supports healthy risk-taking, and helps children develop both wellness and environmental awareness.

Principal Praises Pupils’ Creativity

Kate Eyre, Principal at Launceston Primary School, said:

“Our new Mud Café has been a fantastic addition to our outdoor learning space, it’s already become one of the most popular spots in school. The children’s creativity and teamwork have been incredible to see, as they design their own ‘menus’, mix their mud-based ‘drinks’, and serve their friends.

“Purposeful play like this helps develop imagination, communication, and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. At Launceston Primary, we believe that learning should be joyful, hands-on, and rooted in a love of the natural world.”

See the School for Yourself

Families interested in seeing the school in action can attend an open event on 10th January from 10am to 12pm. To book a place or arrange a visit on another date, email secretary@launcestonprimary.uk.

Launceston Primary School has also released a new Welcome to Launceston Primary School video, giving a glimpse into its warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can watch it below

Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted

Launceston Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and early years provision. Inspectors praised the school community for creating a successful learning environment where staff are determined for all pupils to succeed.