Children at St Margaret’s CE Primary School in Angmering, West Sussex, have received new outdoor learning equipment following a £200 donation from a local housebuilder.
The donation has helped the school replace heavily used equipment in its popular Forest School area, where pupils learn about wildlife, habitats and the natural environment through practical activities.
New pond-dipping nets, magnifying pots, containers, digging forks and shovels have been purchased for children to use during lessons and playtimes.
The dedicated outdoor area is open to all pupils and supports activities including den-building, digging and exploring the school pond. As the equipment is used frequently, items need to be repaired or replaced regularly.
George Lumley, headteacher at St Margaret’s CE Primary School, said: “Our Forest School is an area designed to support children’s learning through outdoor exploration and discovery in a natural environment.
“It brings learning to life and gives children the opportunity to develop social skills and gain a greater understanding of the environment, the importance of protecting habitats and the natural world.
“Bellway’s generous donation has enabled us to top up our supplies and keep things refreshed so we can continue to meet the interests of the children. A lot of the pupils enjoy digging and looking for treasure, or trying to find Australia, so the new shovels and digging forks have been ideal for that.”
The school is now planning to expand its outdoor learning programme from September, giving pupils more opportunities to spend time in the Forest School environment.
Mr Lumley added: “The pupils have really enjoyed using the new equipment and there’s often a very big queue of children outside the Forest School at lunchtime.
“We really value our partnerships with local businesses and other organisations, and greatly appreciate support through donations such as this, which really makes a difference.”
Bellway is currently constructing homes at its Langmead Place development off Water Lane in Angmering. The company previously worked with the school on a construction-themed art project.
Jon Rance, sales manager for Bellway Wessex, said: “Supporting the local community is extremely important to us and we are pleased to have formed an ongoing relationship with St Margaret’s CE Primary School.
“It was wonderful to visit the Forest School and see how the new equipment is helping pupils get even closer to nature.”
