PARENTS at a small village primary school are celebrating a £30,000 boost from the parish council towards major improvements of the school’s outdoor space.

Hennock School’s PTFA was awarded the money after Hennock Parish Council voted unanimously in favour of granting the cash through the Community Infrastructure Levy.

This had to be formally approved by Teignbridge Council after a period of public consultation and the submission of letters of support from the community.

Almost 150 letters of support for the project were sent to the parish council.

More than 25 residents including school staff, neighbours, Headteacher Anthony Arnold, former pupils and the deputy CEO of the Link Academy Trust attended the parish council meeting to voice their support in person.

This funding marks a significant milestone in a long-running project led by the PTFA to enhance the school grounds for its 60 plus pupils and the wider community.

Hennock Primary School - the playground as it is (on the left and the planned new look (right)
Hennock Primary School - the playground as it is (on the left and the planned new look (right) (Hennock Primary School)

For several years, large areas of the grounds have been inaccessible for up to six months of the year due to flooding and water logging.

The preschool play area has also suffered from surface deterioration, making it an unsuitable space for young children.

The project has been four years in the making, supported by PTFA fundraising efforts including the popular annual barn dance, which raised more than £15,000.

John Harvey, PTFA Treasurer, expressed his gratitude, saying: ‘We are extremely thankful to the parish council for their continued support of our village school.

‘This funding represents a huge step forward in our efforts to create a safe, engaging and sustainable environment for our children.’

Work is scheduled for completion ahead of the new academic year in September.

Alison Wonnacott, PTFA secretary added: ‘We are incredibly grateful to Hennock Parish Council for securing this funding, and to everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts over the past four years.

‘This project will make a lasting difference to the children’s daily experience at school.’

A Crowfunding bid was also launched to raise money to tackle the flooding issues.

The Link Academy Trust has supported the PTFA’s efforts with a contribution towards the installation of a new eco-friendly surface for the preschool area.

Speakers at the council meeting highlighted the importance of the project not only in improving the school environment, but also helping to secure the long-term sustainability of the small rural school to attract new families.

This latest funding boost will secure the second phase of the development, which is due to begin in June.

This grant will focus on delivering a range of educational play equipment, further enhancing the outdoor learning experience for all pupils.

The plans include flood resilience and drainage work to reduce standing water and keep the playground usable through wetter periods.

A covered outdoor area or shelter, to help pupils access outdoor play and learning in rain, high winds or strong sun along with ‘exploratory play features’ such as tunnels, are also in the scheme to turn the playground into a living classroom and protect and enhance loved features such as the willow arch.