Donation helps school revamp woodland playground after vandalism
A new lease of life has been given to a woodland playground in Wednesfield after it was damaged by vandals.
In July, Wodensfield Primary School's outdoor forest school was vandalised - hammocks, shelters and trees were slashed with a knife and the camp fire was destroyed - leaving it unsafe for children to use.
Following the damage Claire Watters, vice chairman of the parent-teacher association, set up a go fund me page to raise funds to replace the equipment which raised over £400.
She was approached by marketing company, Rubber Republic, who worked with online retailer eBay to support the project, donating £10,00 worth of equipment to rebuild the outdoor school and workers to complete the project.
Claire said: "It was during my son's lessons that teachers discovered the damage and it was really frustrating and annoying as a parent, I know the school didn't have the money to replace the equipment.
"They found my page online and contacted me saying they wanted to support a project in Wolverhampton, at first I was really taken a back.
"It was just amazing and I never would've imagined it would happen from me setting up the page, me and the teachers were all astounded by their generosity.
"All of the equipment is bespoke so we know it's safe for the children. They've repaired, rebuilt and painted the school, as well as kitted it out with new waterproofs and wellies for the children. They've also built fantastic new educational resources like the insect house and hedgehog house."
The forest school gives alternative learning methods for children who may struggle in a classroom environment by building confidence and independence.
Thanks to the upgrades, the school will now be able to be used by children from KS1, KS2 and nursery and is now being enjoyed again by pupils.
Claire said: "When we reopened the forest school to the children they were overwhelmed and amazed, they didn't know what to do first!
"It really benefits children who can find it hard to focus in school, when you see them outdoors it's a completely different side to them, the forest school is a truly invaluable resource for the pupils I can't thank the team enough for their help."
