Every little helps create a dreamland for Prestatyn learners

Children and young learners in North Wales are excitedly exploring a brand-new playground experience thanks to Prestatyn shoppers and Tesco.

Bodnant Community School received £2,000 from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme to transform its playground into an exciting environment for leisure and learning.

After hearing the thoughts and feelings of the learners, the school – through the creation of a ‘playteam’ dedicated to enriching the lives of the Bodnant learners– listened to their pupils, realising what was needed most was a fresh, new playground transformation. They applied to Tesco’s Stronger Starts community grant programme, receiving £2,000 to make this dream come to life.

Helen Vernon, Headteacher of Bodnant Community School, said: “It is lovely to see the learners working together and supporting one another in this area. The social interaction is apparent and promoted in this area. As a result of this new area, the nursery children now have a playtime every day and use this area with confidence. It has let them develop many important skills in social interaction that will serve them for the rest of their lives. It is lovely to watch them support one another, playing nicely and cooperatively.”

The grant will also allow the school to add further exciting enhancements, reshaping of the playground and adding in balance beams and a herbal section for the pupils to explore their green fingers and develop key social and motor skills.

Deputy Head Teacher Siân Hughes said: “I can’t thank the Prestatyn community and Tesco enough for supporting us so much. It is wonderful to see these young learners enjoying being outside, having numerous opportunities to socially interact, problem solve, be creative and have fun.  The playteam have made amazing choices in bringing the children’s ideas to life, and this couldn’t have been done without the support and generosity of the town.”

The grant has also allowed the school to buy balance bikes for the children, instead of having to rent them. They can ride their new bikes on mini roads which have been added to the playground so the young cyclists can practice the rules of the road while improving their motor skills.

The balance beam arrangements are changed on a daily basis by the playteam, so learners are constantly challenging themselves with different courses, encouraging them to actively problem solve.

Claire de Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “I’m so happy that Tesco is able to support initiatives such as the Bodnant Community School’s playground transformation.

“The school has been here for many years, and it is an honour to be able to support such a pillar in the community.”

To find out more about Tesco Stronger Starts go to https://TescoStrongerStarts.org.uk