Sedgefield Primary School in County Durham has secured a £1,795 grant from the Banks Group’s Banks Community Fund to purchase inclusive, all-weather play equipment. The new equipment, called Get Set, Go! Blocks, will be used primarily by early years classes but is designed for all pupils, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Equipment Details and Educational Benefits
The versatile blocks can be rearranged daily to create different obstacle courses, helping children develop motor skills through jumping, stepping, and climbing. Teachers plan to incorporate maths and literacy by marking the blocks with numbers and letters, turning playtime into a learning opportunity. Margaret Eadsforth, vice chair of the PTFA, said: “Our teachers told us that bringing in some new play equipment that everyone could use was a real priority for the school, so we’ve been looking for ways to make it happen.”
School Background and PTFA Efforts
The school currently has 213 pupils from Early Years to Year Six and focuses on developing confident, caring, creative, and responsible citizens. It achieved a 'Good' rating in its most recent Ofsted inspection, with inspectors noting that “the school’s wider curriculum supports pupils’ personal development exceptionally well.” The PTFA raises over £10,000 annually to enhance learning beyond standard resources.
Community Support and Future Plans
Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, stated: “The members of PTFA put so much hard work to give the children as many opportunities as they can, and we’re very pleased to help them bring in this new outdoor play equipment in time for the summer months.” The Banks Group is also proposing a residential development on the south eastern edge of Sedgefield, which would include around 50 family homes with 20% affordable housing. The Banks Community Fund is independently managed by Point North (formerly County Durham Community Foundation).
