A CLIMBING frame has been donated to Westlands First School after the appeal for cash for the new play outdoor area was seen in The Standard.
The equipment has been gifted by Dodderhill Parish Council but the school needs a local business to help dismantle and move the frame to its new home so it can be placed in the rubber mulch surface there.
Deputy headteacher Amanda Richards said: “We’d like to thank the parish council for the frame which is in pretty good condition and the children will get a lot out of it.
“We are now hoping someone will come forward and help move it.”
Last month we helped the school and the Droitwich Lions launch a campaign to raise £20,000 so the nursery playground could be resurfaced and much-needed play equipment could be provided.
Problems, including vandalism in the area and abuse of the outdoor area by drinkers at the nearby pub, which has since closed, had seen the outdoor area fall into a state of disrepair.
Mrs Richards said the children thrived at the school but so much more could be done for them with the right outdoor environment.
And during Ofsted’s last inspection the outdoor areas were highlighted as issues which needed addressing as the current school curriculum demanded ‘outdoor extensions to classrooms’, not just playgrounds.
They equip youngsters with crucial motor skills including moving, handling and balance. Children need to show they can climb, hop, skip and run and the areas play a big part in that. Literacy and maths can even be incorporated into activities.
The school is a real hub for the Westlands community and any people or local organisations which could donate cash or any local tradespeople or suppliers who could give up their time or provide materials to make the work happen are asked to get in touch.
The school recently revamped its reception outdoor area and installed new equipment and part of the £20,000 would also help pay for more security, such as higher fences and CCTV.
Anyone who can help with the campaign or move the climbing frame should call the school office on 01905 772740.
