SCHOOL bosses are appealing to the generosity of the community to help them defy the constraints of their tight budget so they can build new outdoor areas.
The Mayflower Primary School, in Dovercourt, Harwich, is in the process of improving its grounds in order to establish a separate space for Forest School sessions.
The project is also designed to give its students more play areas and outdoor activities for them to enjoy during breaktimes, lunchtimes and lessons.
Despite the school staff’s enthusiasm, however, they will unlikely be able to materialise their ideas without the help of the public, due to budget constraints.
They are, therefore, now trying to source donatable or cheaply-priced large volumes of sand to create a huge sand pit area and high and secluded fencing.
The school is also looking for a large pergola with roofing to build a shelter in the Forest School area, under which staff and students can have a campfire.
Karen Wright, deputy headteacher at The Mayflower Primary School, said any help from the community would most importantly benefit the pupils.
“We would be extremely appreciative for any donations or reasonable or competitively priced offers,” she added.
“We desperately want to improve our resources to enhance the children's playtimes as well as their outdoor learning experiences.
“Part of our uniform includes wet weather gear as our teachers regularly take the learning outside the classroom as we have such large grounds.
“Our pupils adore spending time outside the classroom and they would be overwhelmed to have a wider choice of activities and resources.”
In addition to the building materials the school is also looking to acquire a variety of items which people might otherwise throw out.
Everything from old suitcases, play figures, dressing up clothes, toy vehicles, bikes and scooters, to cooking utensils, prams, dolls, and cardboard tubes are on the lift.
Mrs Wright said: “With school budgets being tight, we rely on receiving a lot of contributions from the local community.
“So, we are trying to source these items from people, rather than them being thrown out, and anything else that children could repurpose for play and enjoyment.
“We are striving to provide our pupils with as many activities as possible.”
If you can help the Mayflower Primary School email deputy@mayflowerprimary.com or visit mayflower-pri.essex.sch.uk.
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