I've raised £100000 to help fund school outdoor educational and play equipment
Organised by Russell Sneyd
Story
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Originally founded in 1887, Water Orton Primary School and Evergreen Resource Provision moved to its new site in September 2019, due to the planned High Speed Rail tracks and construction passing close to the original Victorian buildings.
Whilst the school was fortunate to have been able to move to a new school building, there are many things were not included as part of the move. The children have no play equipment, no seating, no shaded areas, no playground markings, no wildlife / conservation learning areas and no canopy for reception children to play outside out of the rain in winter and to stay out of the sun in summer.
Children (including 6 children with Special Educational Needs, taught within the 'Evergreen' Resource Provision) had a long period of lockdown at home during lockdown, which significantly impacted on their anxieties, confidence and wellbeing. School can ventilate classroom areas and restrict physical contact, but outdoor areas would be highly beneficial to these young children who desperately need exercise, social skills and physical activity.
We have a 5-Year Plan to Improve our grounds:
What we need:
A canopy is the priority for the younger Reception children who need outside learning all year round.
The current Evergreen play area
How we would like it to look:
The main school needs play areas, which can be used all the year round.
Two areas targeted for improvement (which are both waterlogged and unusable in winter)
The children currently have no seating areas or play equipment and school has commissioned a number of designs, which will maintain social distancing and safety, but will also deliver the important fitness social skills and fitness benefits.
The school has a costed plan to equip the children with items on their 'wish list' but with a deficit budget and and additional demands on cash due to Covid, we need the help of you, the parents, relatives and the public.
To equip the playgrounds will cost upward of £100,000, but every £1 contributed will take us closer to our target, one picnic table, one shady tree, or one piece of play equipment at a time.
The school currently has three people among the staff, parents and governors who are racing for our causes to raise money.
Paul Reynolds
My name is Paul Reynolds and I am the father of 2 children who have both attended Water Orton Primary School – one in the old school and the other is in the new school. Both of my children have positive memories of their time at the school – which is why I thought that it would be nice to give something back. I would describe myself as being somewhere between a fun runner and a serious runner (although even after a number of years of running – I still can’t see where the fun part comes into it)! I entered the Great North Run 2020 half marathon in 2019, but it was cancelled due to Covid and is now taking place on 12 September 2021. I can often be seen running round the streets of B46 and surrounding areas covering distances of between 5 and 20 miles. Please help me raise money for this cause. Thank you.
Ruth McFarland
My name is Ruth McFarland, I'm a governor at the school and my youngest child is a pupil in Evergreen, the Resource Unit here at Water Orton Primary School. I am NOT a runner, however a good friend persuaded me to enter the London Landmarks Half Marathon - so here I am out running the roads, notching up the miles (and surprising myself each week at the distance I cover)!
Please help by sponsoring me! All funds raised will go towards developing the outdoor space at Evergreen for our special children. Evergreen has a fantastic building and fantastic staff so, together, let's “go for the treble” and make Evergreen's play area just as fantastic! Many thanks, Ruth x
Jan Groves
My name is Jan Groves. I was originally a pupil at Water Orton and I have now worked at Water Orton school for 22 years. My role currently, is Inclusion Leader and Evergreen Manager. I co-ordinate the support all of the children with additional needs and these children (in particular), really need some equipment that can help them develop physically, mentally and emotionally. Your contribution would make such a difference for our most vulnerable children.
I love running, it my stress relief and joy! I have completed marathons, a triathlon and an ultra-run. This year I am running in the Manchester marathon at the beginning of October, training is well underway and hoping to raise lots for outside equipment for our school! Jan :)
Please donate and sponsor generously.
You are welcome to sponsor an individual, or to put your donation towards specific areas of our plan.
Our children are amazing and they have done so well throughout the pandemic, considering such anxiety and disruption.
They really deserve an environment that they can enjoy and rebuild their mental health after such a difficult time.
Many thanks to the above people who want to help Water Orton Primary. If YOU would like to help, perhaps you are an ex-pupil. a parent, or maybe you own a local business, please get in touch via our school website or email head2618@welearn365.com. We'd love to hear from you. Thank you. Carl Lewis, Headteacher
