Brightening up playtime in Ogmore Vale

Pupils at Ogmore Vale Primary School are delighted after their playground has been transformed.

After notification that they’d been successful with a £1,500 donation from local energy company, Pennant Walters, the school spent time giving the key stage one playground a bright makeover, with new markings for games scattered around to keep the 180 pupils entertained and busy during break times.

Incorporated in the new-look playground are games including 100 squares, hopscotch and a static variation of a dance mat. The makeover comes at a time when pupil wellbeing is at the top of the school’s agenda.

Faye Jones, Outdoor Learning Coordinator at Ogmore Vale Primary School, explains:

“After spending months in lockdown we are delighted to welcome pupils back to the school and are thrilled with the new playground offering.
“Before this, the yard was bare, and pupils had to rely on their own imaginations to keep them occupied but now it boasts a multitude of games and activities for pupils to benefit from. Not only will it help with our outdoor learning programme, but it will also allow all pupils to benefit during break times all year round. Already the feedback has been hugely positive.”
The school, which has a large proportion of pupils accessing free school meals, is looking to integrate the new playground into a wide variety of class activities.

Faye continued:

“Having access to fresh air is one thing, but this playground will help our pupils on so many levels. At a time where pupil wellbeing is even more pertinent than usual, the playground will be integrated into lessons and outdoor learning as much as possible.
“This was only possible thanks to the support of Pennant Walters and on behalf of all present and future pupils and teachers, I’d like to say a huge thank you.”
Year two pupil Mia added:

“The playground looks amazing – we were all really surprised when we came back to school. It’s brilliant to have games and fun things to do in school – we all love it!”
The funding provided by Pennant Walters is from a fund linked to the construction of the Pant y Wal Wind Extension Farm, adjacent to Ogwr Valley. It builds on previous donations which have seen the company provide money to support various community groups.

Dale Hart, managing director of Pennant Walters added:

“It’s great that something like playground markings, which can often be taken for granted, will provide so much benefit to the pupils at Ogmore Vale Primary.
“We’re delighted to, once again, see happy, smiling faces in the playground and we hope that pupils continue to benefit for years to come.

“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.”