Our agriculture students have earned a massive ‘thank you’ from local youngsters after helping to transform a play area at a pre-school nursery.
Children at The Goslings Pre-School, based at Winterley Methodist Church near Sandbach, can now spend valuable time outdoors playing and learning thanks to our students’ support in a community project.
The pre-school approached our agriculture department for help in clearing an unusable piece of ground and making it into an attractive, inviting and safe outdoor space..
After assessing the site the students, from our Level 3 and Level 2 programmes, cleared overgrowth and moved a shed into a more convenient position. They then dug up the existing grass area, re-laid turf, levelled and laid hard-core for a new paved area and built raised flower beds. The paved area was laid by Darren Leech Landscaping.
Kim Minshall-Wilde, Manager of The Goslings Pre-School, said: “What Reaseheath’s students and staff achieved in just a few weeks was incredible and will make a huge difference to us. It’s really important that our children have access to outdoors where they can play freely and safely and learn about growing plants, fruit and vegetables.
“The students have created a brilliant open space for us and for other members of the community who use the church. We plan to continue developing the garden, building on the great foundation the students have created, with ideas for a sensory garden, mud kitchen and play house. We are extremely grateful for everything the students have done for us. They are a real credit to Reaseheath College.”
Head of Agriculture Alan Brown commented: “The students did extremely well. They realised how important it was for these young children to be able to play and learn outside and really focussed on the task. At Reaseheath we encourage community volunteering and hopefully this project will have made a real difference to the children’s enjoyment of their time at pre-school.”
Course Manager Mark Walton added: “It was fantastic to support such a worthwhile cause and it was also great to see the students get so much out of it. Not only did this project build on their practical skills and problem solving abilities, but it was a great team building exercise and they were all proud of what they achieved.”
Local businesses and individuals who also generously donated time and resources to support the project included Enviro Skip Hire, Witter Farm Supplies, B&Q, Chris Wardle and S Bloor. Contributions and support were also provided by The Goslings Pre-School committee members and additional funding was raised through fundraising events.
