Local contractors and building suppliers, alongside staff from Selwood Housing, donated their time, labour and materials to deliver a long-awaited playground refurbishment for Cygnets Pre-School in Bratton.
The redevelopment of the school's muddy and unsafe outdoor space had been on the staff's ‘wish-list' since relocating to its Bratton Pavilion building in 2020.
Manager Emma Osmond submitted an initial funding request to the housing association's Stronger Communities Fund in 2022 and was elated to be awarded an £800 grant. However, the project would require additional ‘in-kind' support to deliver a play area fit-for-purpose.
Tim Court, response supervisor at Selwood Housing, immediately set about approaching local contractors and suppliers for help. He received an incredible response. Three of Tim's colleagues volunteered, alongside a team of five generously provided by Baillie Reynolds Maintenance.
With the build team in place, Tim managed to secure further support from local suppliers. Wiltshire Concrete, Country Mini Skips, Trowbridge Power Tools, and Travis Perkins were all keen to help, donating vital equipment and materials.
The refurbishment had to be completed in just a few days over the Christmas holidays to ensure minimum disruption. In late December 2022, despite the horrendous weather conditions, the collaborative effort began. Project lead Tim couldn't be happier with the results.
I'm so proud of everyone who pitched in to get this project over the line. Everyone worked incredibly hard and kept going despite the cold and miserable conditions. It's been quite the journey, but we're delighted to have been able to deliver a new safe and secure outdoor space for the children to enjoy
Cygnets Pre-School manager Emma Osmond is delighted to see the children finally able to explore their interests outside, whether for water play, wood working, or building.
Outside play is vital for children's development whatever the weather. Some of our families live in a flat so don't have access to a garden. This makes our outdoor provision even more important. We are so grateful to the team at Selwood Housing for stepping in to support us with this project and to everyone involved, all the contractors and suppliers, for giving their time and resources so generously.”
