GAINFORD School has a newly revamped outdoor space thanks to more than £5,000 in community grants.
The school received funding from the Neighbourhood Funds of county councillors George Richardson and James Rowlandson of £5,114 via the Teesdale Area Action Partnership. The money paid for groundworks to develop the community garden, fencing, and buying garden tools, seeds, a potting shed, and a mud kitchen.
Cllr Richardson and Cllr Rowlandson visited the school to see the finished garden and to present a plaque to the children.
They said: “We are pleased to enable the improvement of this outdoor area at the school. It is of great benefit to the children for outdoor play and learning, as well as being available to other community groups.”
Completion of the project was delayed because of the pandemic, but the garden is now complete and in use.
Pupils in school have already started using the garden for learning and local groups, such as Cubs and Beavers also have access to it.
The children also contribute to the local horticultural show so the school hopes to develop further links with local gardeners to create garden projects that span different ages.
Mrs Chris Riley Headteacher said: “Learning outside of the classroom appears to have a very positive impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing so the community garden offers the ideal opportunity for this. We must thank Teesdale Action Partnership and Cllrs Richardson and Rowlandson for making this project possible.”
