Pupils at Tang Hall Primary and Applefields Special Schools will be in for a treat when they return from their half-term break after 90 volunteers from schools, colleges, the University of York and businesses including Consortia took part in the ‘York Cares Community Challenge’. The three-day challenge gave a ‘Ground Force’ style makeover to the outdoor educational and recreational areas at each school.
v@yorkcares, the youth arm of York Cares – the employee volunteering charity, teamed up with Northern Rail, the UK’s largest train operator, and other businesses to make a real difference during the half-term week.
Sensory stimulation has been proven to be profoundly important for children with special needs so volunteers have installed new sensory decorations and equipment and created stunning new mosaics in the garden at Applefields Special School.
At Tang Hall Primary School volunteers have created educational and recreational resources in the outdoor spaces used by both the Early Years Unit at the school, and Tang Hall Squirrels, who care for under fives all year round. The volunteers have:
- created new nature zones
- given an upgrade to the reading area including new storytelling chairs and carvings
- created new vegetable and flower beds
- decorated outdoor areas including bright new murals and a new bike path and train area
Materials and specialist support were provided by a number of businesses including Consortia Integrated Services.
Craig Barton, Consortia Director said: “Our support for York Cares is a great way for Consortia and our employees to get together with other businesses to give something back to the local community”.
Deputy Head of Tang Hall Primary School, Bev Pawson says…” we can’t believe it! The children are going to be so excited when they see their new look play areas next week particularly the outdoor story-telling chairs.”
