Wokingham

Wokingham District Council and John Lewis Partnership are working together to create an exciting and safe new playground for pupils at Shinfield St Mary’s Junior School.

The Wokingham project began earlier this year when Brian Matthews, Wokingham District Council children’s services play strategy advisor, carried out a detailed consultation exercise to find out exactly what the pupils wanted.

Brian Matthews said: “We spoke to every child in the school, then collated their views. They ranged from wanting more flowers and trees, to dance areas and benches. This enabled us to design a stimulating, modern playground where play and learning can be blended together.”

The school’s parent and teachers association (PTA) were involved at every stage in the process. Funding for the new playground is being provided by the school and the Diocese of Oxford.

Jane Morgan, headteacher at Shinfield St Mary’s School, said: “One of our main aims was to create a dynamic play environment, whilst increasing visual boundaries for the children. The new playground will contribute to raising standards throughout the school.”

The John Lewis Partnership then agreed to provide a team of volunteers from their ‘Time Bank’ team to create a fenced garden area. The ‘Time Bank’ is a company scheme that allows employees to get involved with voluntary projects during work time, with the support of the company.

Helen Mirrington of the John Lewis Partnership, said: “The initiative is all part of the business's commitment to our Corporate Social Responsibility programme. In practice, this means we build relationships with our local communities by involving partners in charitable projects. We are very pleased to be able to work with Wokingham District Council and St Mary's School, to regenerate their playground and make it a safer environment for the children.”

Cllr Frank Browne, executive member for Wokingham children’s services, said: “We are always pleased when a community partnership brings practical benefits for schoolchildren in the Wokingham district. I look forward to the new playground being completed and would like to thank everyone involved.

“May I also thank everyone from the John Lewis ‘Time Bank’ for their help and support.”

The John Lewis ‘Time Bank’ team will start work today, Tuesday November 7. They hope to complete the work by Friday November 10.

Further information on the project can be obtained from Brian Matthews on (0118) 974 6108.

Wokingham District Council