Palmerston Primary School have used Big Fresh funding to build a new outdoor seating area for the pupils to enjoy alfresco dining and outdoor lessons.

The outdoor area has been named ‘Smart Space’ in honour of their Kitchen Manager/Cook Tracey Smart, who with her team provide nutritionally balanced meals for all pupils.

Headteacher Sarah Cason said: “This is a fantastic facility that can be enjoyed by the students in the warmer months.

The outside space will enhance wellbeing and enable our teachers to provide outdoor lessons which will improve student teacher engagement.”

The project which was completed by donations from the local community businesses and parents was largely funded by the Big Fresh Catering company with monies to support school and community projects.

The Council established Big Fresh as A Local Authority Trading Company in 2020.

It provides school meals for partner schools, operates a commercial catering service and a bar and café at Penarth Pier Pavilion.

An innovative business model allows the company to operate as a commercial entity, with all surpluses returned to schools or used to sustain the business itself.

In keeping with this not-for-profit ethos, none of the company directors are salaried and the Council, as the only shareholder, has not drawn any funds from the company.

Managing Director of the Big Fresh Catering Company, Carole Tyley said: “We are delighted to see the results of the new seating area at the school.

“The funding makes a real difference to schools and community projects throughout the Vale, and we hope we can continue to support worthwhile projects like this in the future with the help of local businesses and parents.”

The Big Fresh Catering Company provide healthy balanced menus to schools, businesses and private events across Wales.

The Big Fresh initiative profits are generated from corporate and private businesses and are invested straight back into the schools.