Community spirit transforms school playground

Families and staff at Chapel-en-le-Frith C of E VC Primary School have rolled up their sleeves for a community-led makeover, to bring new life to the nursery and reception playgrounds.

Organised by the school’s 'Parents, Teachers and Friends Association' (PTFA) on Sunday 26th April, the event saw an incredible turnout of volunteers working side by side to revitalise the outdoor learning spaces. 

Parents and teachers spent the day jet washing, sweeping, painting and planting, as well as building new sandpits, creating digging areas and installing engaging water play features. New equipment was also set out, helping to create a vibrant and stimulating environment for the school's youngest pupils, aged three to five. 

The transformation was made possible thanks to the generosity of local businesses and supporters, who donated materials and resources worth almost £1,000. Contributions were kindly received from David G Ross of Kettleshulme; Peak Logs from Buxton; Whaley Bridge’s S Drinkwater & Son, Paintmaster and Bridge Bakehouse, as well as Morrisons in Chapel-en-le-Frith. 

The project marks the first of three planned stages to enhance outdoor play across the school, with further improvements already being explored for other year groups. The PTFA and school community are now looking ahead to the next phase, with ambitions to develop the Key Stage 1 and 2 playgrounds through continued fundraising, volunteer support and local partnerships. 

A PTFA representative said: "It was fantastic to see so many people come together for the children. There was a real sense of community throughout the day, with everyone getting stuck in and taking pride in what we were creating. The transformation has been amazing, and we’re so grateful to all the volunteers and local businesses who supported us. 

"This is just the first of three planned stages of playground development, and we’re really excited to build on this momentum. As part of the wider playground development team at school, we are looking forward to continuing to work with our community to secure further support, volunteers and funding, with the hope of beginning improvements to other playgrounds next."

Jacquie Barber, Headteacher, added: "Outdoor play is a vital part of early years development, supporting children’s creativity, confidence and physical wellbeing. These improvements have created a much richer environment where our pupils can explore, imagine and learn through play. We are incredibly thankful to our PTFA, families and local supporters for their time, energy and generosity in helping to make this possible."

To find out more about the school’s PTFA, find the group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/949449121825974