Mums raise money for 'amazing' school playground
A group of parents have banded together to raise money for a new playground.
Crockerne Primary School in Pill, North Somerset, has struggled with its play area after it flooded because of drainage issues.
The parents say they hope the improved play area will improve the wellbeing and mental health of youngsters.
Charlotte Kaszubski, Chair of Friends of Crockerne (PTA), said the school is one of many that has been "hugely" let down by education cuts.
"Our school is very old and tired," she said. "It leaks in places that it shouldn't.
"Our last pot of money was used to repair a flooded play area which was out of use for six to seven months of the year due to the drainage issues."
The PTA covers a wide demographic of children. Out of 36 towns and villages in North Somerset, Pill is second from bottom in terms of child poverty, Ms Kaszubski said.
Friends of Crockerne, which is made up of seven working mums, has been "tirelessly" working for two years to get the concreate play area revitalised for the school.
Ms Kaszubski said: "We are an extremely active and dynamic 'Friends of' who are having to think outside the box to seek funding without the constant rely on our already very supportive parents to always be digging in their emptying pockets."
Alongside holding events to raise funds, the group has received "fab" support from local businesses, she added.
The new playground includes bridges, rope swings and balance bars.
Emma Bray, head teacher at Crockerne Primary School, said the equipment would help the children remain fit and active.
She said: "Our ethos is to be child centred - wellbeing, mental and health physical health are all important to help children to be ready to learn.
"I think this new equipment will really help children to be excited about keeping fit and active."
Many pupils told the BBC how much they were enjoying their new play area.
Freya, 10, said it was "amazing" and feels like "a park that's been put in our school".
"It used to be really plain, there wasn't really anything we could play on, but now there's loads of equipment that we can have fun and enjoy with our friends," she said.
Rocco, aged seven, said he was "really happy" the PTA had thought of the idea.
He said: "I want everyone to say thank you because they put lots of money into making this."
Bella, seven, and Reggie, eight, said the equipment was "fun" and "better" than before.
Bella said: "It's really good because all our helpers and carers have made it so brilliant and enjoyable. Thank you!"
The play area was opened in a ceremony at the school on 20 January.
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