Pupils at Cwmdar Primary School are jumping for joy after their playground has undergone a transformation.
After receiving funding from local energy company Pennant Walters, Headteacher Marie Evans wasted no time in setting the wheels in motion to transform the largely concrete area into a fun-filled space for pupils to enjoy long into the future, with pupil voice at the heart of the decision-making.
As part of the transformation a track has been painted in the yard, whilst bikes and trikes have been purchased. The funding is allowing an outdoor classroom pod to be installed, whilst other yard games have been integrated into the space, bringing together a choice of activities for children to enjoy during break times.
The £15,000 funding was linked to Pennant Walters’ 9 turbine 22 MW Mynydd Bwllfa windfarm near Aberdare in Rhondda Cynon Taf, which became operational in summer 2015. It builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support various local organisation and community groups.
Headteacher Marie Evans explains:
“We’ve had a vision for our yard space for some time, but with costs increasing over the past few years, we’ve had to park the plans.
“When we found out we’d been successful in our application to Pennant Walters windfarm fund we wasted no time in bringing our plans to life so that the children could enjoy the space as soon as practically possible! Our school Senedd played a key role in these decisions and have been thrilled with the results.”
As well as the activities for children to enjoy during break times, the school has recently had an outdoor classroom built, funded by the LA, this and the classroom pod will be linked into day-to-day activities, allowing them to be utilised all year round.
Marie continued:
“This space is fantastic – not only will it allow our children to be outside, but we’ll also use all of our new facilities for the benefit of our wider school community. We’ve designed the area very carefully and have included seating areas, so we plan to use it for parent and other community meetings to positively impact our community relationships.”
Pennant Walters managing director Dale Hart said:
“When you look at Cwmdar Primary’s yard, you may initially believe it to be limited due to the concrete base, however it has been transformed into a space that is so welcoming for pupils.
“It’s fantastic that the school understands the benefit outdoor space brings to children and to see the pupils faces when they’re playing with and on the equipment is something special.
“Our wind energy projects come with community funds that we use to invest in projects such as this and our aim is to bring very real benefits to the communities in the vicinity of our projects, providing financial assistance and expertise where we can.”
Reception class teacher, Mrs. Miles, said:
“The children have really embraced their new space and it’s great that they can change their activities each day. Some are learning chess and the nursery and reception pupils, in particular, are loving jumping on a trike or putting together a balance beam. The space is allowing them to tackle new challenges every day.”
