A new canopy providing protection from the elements all year round has been built at Fairfield Endowed CofE Junior School in Buxton thanks to a £20,000 donation from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.
The new permanent canopy replaces the entrance canopy at the school, but it is bigger, providing more space for children to both play and learn outside during rain and snow, as well as more shade from the sun.
As well as being a space for children to play and learn during term time, the new covered space outside the school can also be reserved by the local community for sports clubs, community events outside school time all year round.
The school is used by local kickboxing and football clubs and free cookery classes, as well as drop-in surgeries for local councillors and police community support officers. Its replacement offers more space to hold similar events in the future, especially with the summer holidays coming up.
The canopy’s construction was funded by Tarmac with some of the cost being covered by the school. It was completed in early June and was officially opened at the school’s year 5 and 6 awards ceremony on 11 July.
David Wilson, senior manager – cement & lime decarbonisation at Tarmac, who is based at the nearby Tunstead Quarry, said: “We were really pleased we could support the building of this new canopy at Fairfield Endowed CofE Junior School through the Tarmac Communities Landfill Fund.
“In the Peak District, we have beautiful rolling hills and valleys, but that does mean we can face some weather extremes at times. So, we’re sure the new space for children to learn and play outside all year round will be much appreciated, as well as providing an extra space for events outside school hours for the whole community.”
Jayne Mercer, Headteacher at Fairfield Endowed CofE Junior School, said: “We thank Tarmac for their contribution in making this dream become a reality. The canopy provides additional learning space for the school and its community partners. The children are currently enjoying alfresco dining as well as having fun in their PE whilst keeping dry at the same time.
“This also proved to be a fantastic space during Buxton Wild week where the children and local volunteers came together for various activities. Our community partners are also making use of the space for both sporting events and public relation activities. Thank you, Tarmac!”
The Landfill Communities Fund was established by the Government in 1996. It enables landfill operators to donate part of their annual tax liability to enrolled Environmental Bodies for a variety of approved community and environmental projects. Through the fund, Tarmac donates around £1 million to projects each year. For more information, visit www.entrust.org.uk or email [email protected]