A daredevil bursar is preparing to complete a skydive to help cover the cost of a life-saving defibrillator installed at her school. Rossendale Community First Responders provided the equipment to Staghills Nursery School on Top Barn Lane in Newchurch, and the school is now raising funds to pay for it.
Open Day and Sponsorship Opportunity
Visitors attending an upcoming open day on Saturday, June 13, will have the chance to sponsor the jump. The event allows parents and carers to experience a typical day at the nursery, including phonics, maths, and storytime lessons. Attendees can also explore the extensive forest school and watch children baking and making music.
Bursar Mel Ashton's Skydive
Bursar Mel Ashton will seek sponsorship ahead of her 11,000ft skydive, scheduled for Saturday, June 20. "I have never jumped from a plane before, my brother has and he went with Black Knights too," she said. "Everyone here says I am brave for doing it – some think I am a bit crazy – but I feel excited as it has always been something I wanted to do and for such a great cause. I follow Black Knights on socials so I am watching others skydiving all the time."
Headteacher's Support
Andrea Cooper, executive headteacher, expressed her gratitude: "I am very grateful to Mrs Ashton for volunteering to jump out of a plane – I would absolutely not want to do that but she has my full support and I will be watching her coming through the clouds." She added that nursery ambassadors, around 12 current pupils from the three classes, will guide visitors during the open day, sharing their experiences and answering questions.
Ofsted Rating and Recent Investments
The nursery school was last inspected by Ofsted in December 2024 and received an 'Outstanding' rating. Its Baby Room was inspected under the new Ofsted framework in December last year, achieving a 'Strong Standard' across all areas. Andrea noted: "We have recently invested in new equipment in our forest school and all of our children make use of our outdoor setting to enhance their learning. We have also put a bid in for an outdoor SEND cabin to provide a sensory area."
Defibrillator Installation and Fundraising
Andrea explained the decision to install a defibrillator: "We decided we wanted the school to have a defib available and approached Community First Responders. They provided the equipment and all of our staff have completed paediatric first aid training so know how to use the defib." The school received a £500 donation from Newchurch Association towards the cost. Now, they hope sponsorship for Mrs Ashton's skydive will raise the remaining funds.
To sponsor the jump, visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/staghills-nursery. For more information about Staghills Nursery School, call 01706 213303.
