The company stepped in to give a makeover to The Avenue school’s waste ground during the summer holidays and it is now a showpiece space for children to explore the environment, enjoy gardening, craft and exercise sessions and take time out in a special reflection zone.
JCB AND PRIMARY SCHOOL PROVE THEY ARE IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN
CHEADLE-based JCB Earthmovers and a local primary school have built firm foundations for the future with the launch of a spectacular new outdoor learning area.
The multi-purpose outdoor space at Cheadle Primary School, which was transformed over the holidays, has been officially opened by JCB Earthmovers’ Operations Director Paul Wilson, marking the company’s support of the school and its 430 children.
The company stepped in to give a makeover to The Avenue school’s waste ground during the summer holidays and it is now a showpiece space for children to explore the environment, enjoy gardening, craft and exercise sessions and take time out in a special reflection zone.
The company stepped in to give a makeover to The Avenue school’s waste ground during the summer holidays and it is now a showpiece space for children to explore the environment, enjoy gardening, craft and exercise sessions and take time out in a special reflection zone.
The JCB team has been amazing. Many of our children’s parents work for JCB, so we were delighted when they approached us with a view to building a closer relationship. The new classroom is really important for the children; it means they can enjoy the outdoors and learn so many new things after being stuck inside during the COVID lockdowns.
Debbie Breeze | Headteacher
Debbie continued: "We also have a number of children in wheelchairs and with mobility issues, and it’s fully accessible for them too. The area of reflection will also give our children space to sit quietly. We have had so many children lose a significant adult in their families in recent times, but none more difficult than a beloved parent, and having a dedicated space where they in particular can take time out and reflect is so important.”
JCB Earthmovers Operations Director Paul Wilson added: “As one of the area’s biggest employers it is important that we support our community and especially encourage our local youngsters to do their best at school. Many of our employees have children at Cheadle Primary, and of course they could well be our future recruits."
"We visited the school for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and when Debbie showed us the site and their plans for the outdoor classroom, we knew that we could bring her vision to life quickly with our 3CX backhoe machine and other construction contacts who were keen to help. My PA Natasja Joyce and JCB’s Maintenance Manager Ian Clarke set to work with the school to make everything happen and in just the space of a couple of months the whole project has come together.”