School Grounds Group

Since our visit by the Learning through Landscapes Adviser late last year, plans to develop a stimulating outdoor environment for play, learning and teaching are taking shape.

The square metal planters acquired free from the city and county have had a much-needed makeover. Four of the planters will form the basis of the growing area, while two others will double up as seating in the front yard. The foundation phase yard will be extended and a mini beast area, sand pit and raised bark area built. A stage area will be situated in the corner of the back yard, and assuming the Victorian brickwork is in good shape a traversing wall will be accessible to all children.

The children designed a set of Christmas cards and enjoyed getting their hands dirty planting up the hanging baskets both of which have raised much needed funds. Members of the group have spent considerable time applying for funding through varied approaches, including a poem competition, which despite 2 outstanding entries were sadly unsuccessful. We await the outcome of £4000 application to the Ernest Cook Trust at the end of September.