Moordown St John's School opens new adventure playground

In a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the pupils of Moordown St John’s school parliament, the new playground was officially declared open by the school prime minister, Hannah, to big cheers from the community.

Acting headteacher Gina Angiolini said that the playground, which cost £20,000 in total, was a long time coming, after it was delayed by the pandemic.

“We were fundraising throughout the whole of the lockdown, which was very challenging,” Ms. Angiolini said.

“We had some money aside before the lockdown because we knew it was needed, but the lockdown certainly delayed it.”

To raise the money, both the pupils and Ms Angiolini praised the vital role of the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) of the school.

“Our PFA did most of the masterminding with the funding, its credit to the parents. It’s been a community project,” the acting head said.

Sarah Farmer and Lauren Hall, the co-chairs of the PFA received flowers and a round of applause from the pupils during the ceremony.

Fundraising events included raffles, wreath making and social events for parents. The children took part in sponsored activities and challenges.

Ms Angiolini said the PFA were full of ideas that really helped the fundraising efforts.

“It was a mammoth task", she said.

“We are very aware that if it wasn’t for them [we wouldn’t have the playground]. Every week they come to me with a new idea.”

Excitement for the new playground has been building since construction was started in September.

The members of the school parliament were the first to try out the new playground, getting an opportunity to play in it after the opening ceremony.

The acting headteacher said that having a facility like this is vital for the pupils and the school.

“I think it’s important that all children are active. It enables not just to be active but to have cooperative play. It’s suitable for all age groups. All children will get the opportunity to use it,” she said.