Meet the funders


PREVIOUSLY FUNDED PROJECTS


Groundwork aims to inspire children to engage with the outdoor environment


Astley Park School in Chorley was awarded £12,000 through the Tesco Bags of Help fund to create a dedicated play area for running, biking and scootering for all pupils. Space was very limited, but by revamping the grounds, pupils have had the opportunity to get outside and utilise the area much more, while getting the added benefits of being outdoors. Gillian Broughton, Staff Governor at Astley Park School, said: ‘What a transformation this has made, not only to the school grounds, but to the everyday lives of the pupils and staff. Not only can pupils ride safely but they are also having lots of fun. They have gained a sense of achievement, are growing in independence and, of course, they’re enjoying physical activity.’


will be able to benet. The Community and Environment Fund (CEF) awards up to £75,000 for projects that will improve the quality of life and environment for communities. Schools are eligible to apply for this funding for projects that include landscape and nature conservation and the enhancement of sports and recreational facilities. This could be particularly useful for initiatives by school clusters. ‘By offering schools different


scales of funding we aim to help bridge the funding gap that many schools are currently experiencing by delivering projects that improve the curriculum, campus and communities,’ says Duxbury. ‘Applying for a grant and then


managing a project allows the whole school to get involved with what they think pupils need. Not only does this help to get the viewpoint of pupils heard but it also boosts their engagement levels with the project, building character and academic success. This is vital for ensuring that young people are both part of the conversation and involved in the action.’


For more information on the funding programmes that Groundwork manages go to groundwork.org.uk.


The disused double-decker has become a much-loved library resource for lunchtimes


FundEd AUTUMN 2017 31


Robert Kett Primary School in Wymondham created an outdoor library space out of a disused double-decker bus thanks to £10,000 in funding from Tesco Bags of Help. Staff at the school were keen to give children more things to do at lunchtime – especially children who are not so into the usual playground games. The bus is a popular corner of the playground, allowing children to enjoy a break from the usual classroom environment. ‘It really comes into its own at playtimes’, says School Business Manager Karen Hurst. ‘Some children don’t always want to run around and play games – they’d prefer to sit quietly and read. They get so absorbed in it, which is really lovely to see! It’s helped the children with


their learning, but the biggest benefit has been in their social development. The bus and the poet’s corner allow our children to use their imagination in playing together. It’s a real community spot for pupils.’


Park View Infant School has used its £953 Carriers for Causes grant to restore and improve the school kitchen garden. The funds were used to repair raised beds (where herbs, vegetables and soft fruit are grown) as well as a wooden work bench. The school has also purchased and built a new seating area that is inclusive for wheelchair users. The garden provides a resource for many cross-curricular activities, and children are taught the value of sustainability, healthy eating and biodiversity. The new space also offers opportunities for children from a socially deprived area (who often have no gardens of their own) to appreciate wildlife and plants and to grow food. The newly revamped garden is used by disabled pupils or those who are hearing-impaired, as well as providing a place of beauty and calm for children who display challenging behaviours inside the classroom. ‘The new table and seating area is a fantastic addition to our school garden’, says Laura Wilcock from Park View School. ‘It has become a well-used place for craft activities and to share information and ideas. We now have solid workbenches that we have already put to good use for potting plants and drying out onions and garlic in the sun.’


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