School celebrates opening of outdoor classroom

The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association at Colwich Primary School, in Stafford, has continued to fundraise throughout Covid-19 and has seen the money go towards much needed laptops and an outdoor classroom.

The building was installed by a Burntwood based business G.E. Collis and Sons Ltd in just one day.

Donna Bolas-Burn, the PTFA Chair, said: “We are really please with the outcome of the outdoor classroom and that it will fit a whole class inside, so that they can achieve the possibility of outside learning that the school wanted and needed.

“We have received lots of positive feedback from both parents and the school and children are able to be outside in all weathers learning.

“A massive thank you goes to G.E Collis and sons of Burntwood who supplied and installed the classroom order was place in October 2020 and installed March 2021.

“We have a lot of thanks to the parents, school and community as without their ongoing support none of this would have been possible. Parents of the school have big heart and are always willing to give big to our cause.

“We now move on to our next challenge of raising funds. The school are looking to mixed years and abilities from September and need new maths textbooks are need at a cost of £2,800 so we will be working towards making this happen.”

Alison De Ste Croix, headteacher, added: “It has been a really difficult year for our children due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have been encouraging staff to take the children outdoors as much as possible, but it has been really difficult with our lack of outdoor sheltered space.

“This purchase by our PTFA is invaluable in helping us extend our learning offer. It was fantastic to see the looks of excitement on the children's faces when they saw their new space.

“They are now able to have somewhere to learn outdoors and also to sit quietly and reflect away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the playground during break times.

“We are really grateful that the PTFA have continued to fundraise over the past 12 months so that we can make life as normal as possible for all our children.”