New play equipment puts a smile on East Preston pupils’ faces

A year-long fund-raising drive, and a secretive building scheme over the summer holidays paved the way for the new wooden, play equipment at the school, in Lashmar Road.

Pupils have been having fun-filled break times on the newly-installed climbing frames, wooden balance beams and small, cargo netting assault course.

Head teacher, Claire New, said: “The new equipment has gone down tremendously well with the children.”

The equipment was installed following a co-ordinated fund-raising effort between the infant school’s student council and members of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), that generated £6,200 between September last year and July.

Co-chairmen of the PTA, Jules Dallimore, Claire Woods and Sue Gearing were instrumental in organising the various fund-raising appeals.

Jules said: “The school was trying to improve the playground area and increase the usage of the field. To help raise money we had seasonal discos and summer and Christmas fêtes that we organised with the junior school.

“The infant school’s student council were a brilliant help.”

This year, the school hopes to raise enough money to build a specially-designed outdoor music garden for the children.