Like-minded companies' donations put smiles on pupils' faces
Sarisbury pupils are celebrating after receiving more than £20,000 worth of the latest playground equipment, thanks to a trio of kind-hearted companies.
The youngsters at Sarisbury Infants School were in desperate need of an enhanced play area where they could get exercise and broaden their learning.
Tesco provided £10,000 for the project, while local company SM:5 Developments matched the £10,000 as well as improving the grounds and flooring, repairing all the edging and borders, and replacing the wooden seating areas.
Another company helping the scheme was Outdoor Play UK, which gave a considerable discount on the equipment and provided their skilled playground equipment installers to ensure everything was safe.
The new play area now includes a story circle to seat 30 pupils, a personalised Buddy Bench with a logo for every class mascot, a large finger maze and five sensory totems.
Charlotte Weavers, Headmistress of Sarisbury Infants School, said: “The children have been loving the new equipment and would like to thank Tesco and SM:5 for their donations and dedication.
“The new elements that have been added to our playground have enhanced the environment and given the children more opportunities for play. The Story Chair has been extremely popular and has promoted a love of reading across all ages.
“In addition, the Buddy Bench is beautiful and celebrates all our class names. The children are using it with pride.”
SM:5 Developments, which has previously helped construct various convenience stores, is run by five brothers – all of whom are former Sarisbury Infants School pupils.
Joe Smith, a director at SM:5, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this scheme. All our directors went to Sarisbury Infants School, so we were really excited about the prospect of returning and helping the school where it all started for us. We all have young children, so we understand how important play facilities are.
“We’d like to thank Tesco for the opportunity to have us involved, and the school for being so welcoming and accommodating while works were carried out. It is amazing to have heard and seen how much the kids enjoy using the new facilities, and we hope it continues to bring joy for years to come.”
Other equipment installed in the playground includes two magnifying posts, a traversing wall, swinging log steps, flower stepping pods and a balance beam.
Annelies Bristow, acquisitions manager at Tesco, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this project. Encouraging activity, creative play and mindfulness for all children in a sustainable way is something we are very passionate about and we loved the opportunity to become involved.
“We wanted to ensure we were enhancing the children’s play experience physically and mentally, and were making it accessible to every child.
“The combination of working with SM:5, who are former alumni of the school, and the current teaching staff to deliver this really felt like we were involving and benefitting the community and, hopefully, inspiring future generations. It was a real teamwork project.”