You may or may not be aware that in recent years we have had flooding and drainage problems on the KS1 playground. This was due to be rectified in the upcoming summer holidays. The playground will take several weeks to dig over in preparation for new engineering for drainage and finally it will be resurfaced with tarmac.

We had hoped there would be money in the budget to ‘dress’ the playground with picnic benches (enough to make an outside classroom), an outdoor library shed, painted game markings, coat hooks (so children don’t have to leave their coats on the ground!) and even plans for a story telling circle in the garden area. However, the rising cost of the technical works that the playground needs, means there is now no budget for these things. Disappointingly, these are the things that will most benefit the children.

The cost of the intended groundworks is now £56,000.

We are asking for your help to crowd fund to raise money for at least some much needed playground seating. You may have noticed that the second of the two wooden seating shelters has now been demolished and removed. Both these shelters (the first removed over a year ago) have lasted a long time, but with all timber framed constructions, they had a limited life and due to rotting wood, these have had to be removed. This has left us with only one small bench and no shade areas on the playground.

As we are a school, the safety of our children is of utmost importance. We cannot simply buy a picnic bench from B&Q for £50. The playground furniture we intend to purchase, needs to be robust and durable and approved for school use. We are aiming, initially to raise £3500, which will be enough to buy 4 picnic benches to seat up to 32 children (which can also double as an outside classroom). This amount will also allow us to buy a reading shed, story throne and builders’ shed (pictured below). Any money raised above our target will go towards buying more items on our wish list, namely playground markings and shade sails.

Could you donate £10 towards improving the playground for your children? Do you know of a company or business who may sponsor or donate even more towards this cause? The details of the crowd funding page can be found below. The page is open to donations now and will close by the end of the first week after half term (Friday 6th June), so that items can be ordered.

We do hope you will consider even a small donation to make our outdoor learning environment as enjoyable as possible for the children.

Thank you,

St. Matthew's CE Primary School