Over the summer holiday, staff at the Duke of Norfolk primary school were notified that the much loved forest area in the school grounds had been vandalised and set alight.
The fire service attended the scene and it is understood there has been substantial damage.
Over the year, 310 students use the forest as part of the school’s curriculum.
Assistant headteacher Kate Hadfield stated: “This has left us in a mess at the very start of a new academic year.”
She added: "Our supportive PTA had just paid for some brand new equipment and sadly everything has been destroyed through vandalism or arson. Substantial damage to the trees and property mean that we will be asking for the support of our parents and local community to rebuild our provision to allow the children to start their new academic year.
"An outdoor classroom is vital for many of our SEND pupils to learn in an environment that allows for their needs. We are about to welcome our new headteacher Mrs Sophia Barker who is passionate to get this back up and running.”
“We are desperate for any help from local businesses and volunteers to get us up and running after our fantastic Ofsted inspection.”
The incident has now been reported to the police.
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