Schoolchildren across the Midlands walked back into bright new playgrounds when they returned after the summer holidays thanks to the big-hearted generosity of Tarmac specialists.
Having donated specialist materials, including bark, sand, paints, pebbles and fast-setting concrete, the teams gave up their own time to set about redecorating playgrounds, fixing fences and installing exciting new play areas for the young pupils. Watch the timelapse video here.
The Mosley Academy, in Anslow, Burton-on-Trent; Catshill First School and Nursery, in Bromsgrove; and Hugglescote Primary School, in Coalville, have each benefited from Tarmac’s determination to help the communities in which the company operates.
Teams from Tarmac’s specialist products division at Swains Park, Swadlincote, also spread bark and dug out loose gravel area, replacing it with concrete into which they set pebbles, creating safe new play areas for the youngsters.
Matthew Baxter, headteacher at The Mosley Academy, said: “A huge thank you to the team at Tarmac for the amazing work done for the children of The Mosley Academy. The hard work of the team has really enhanced our outdoor play areas and the children are delighted with their new surfaces and play sand. We are so grateful!”
At Catshill School, the team also re-clad a wall using marine plywood to replace dilapidated old panels. The schoolchildren and teachers intend to redecorate the new wall which will be used as an outdoor learning wall once the new school year is underway.
The volunteers also spray-painted numbers 1 to 20 on the playground floor with a specialist Tarmac product, Ultipatch Linemaster – using stencils to brighten up the playground.
Mrs Georgia Plant, head of school, said: “We are so grateful to Tarmac. The playground looks bright and fresh. It is lovely to see the children jumping from number to number in the playground.
“The cladding has really tidied up a dull wall and we intend to use it as an outdoor learning wall, incorporating blackboard paint onto which the children can write and draw with big chalks. It will be interactive and has inspired us to do even more.”
Hugglescote Primary School’s playground is also brighter and safer after Tarmac provided sand for the children’s play pit.
Mr Paul Driver, headteacher, said: “Hugglescote Community Primary School would like to thank Tarmac for their support in supplying bags of sand for our EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) sand pit.
“The children have enjoyed using the sand pit for playing and learning. It has made a real difference for many children.
“We work to build close relationships with the wider community and the support from Tarmac is very much appreciated. Thank you to all who made this possible and we look forward to developing the partnership in the future.”
James Warwick, senior technical & specialist operations manager at Swains Park, led the Tarmac team comprising, Adam Genders (technical & quality manager), Richard Chambers (site manager) and Luke Edwards (sales manager – specialist products).
James said: “It was a real pleasure to help out and engage with our local community, through our support for The Mosley Academy, Hugglescote Community Primary School and Catshill School.
“It’s lovely to know that, as children arrived back in school, their outside playground spaces have been made a little better and brighter from the materials and time we have been able to donate over the summer.”
