Store donations to fund new outdoor areas at Emsworth schools

St James’ Primary School and Emsworth Primary School plan to use the funds to develop a variety of enriched outdoor learning and socialising areas that will allow children to explore and learn through play based activities. The two primary schools were presented with £7,500 each.

Garry Farne, retail business manager for The Southern Co-operative Store in Emsworth said: ‘Our colleagues and customers have been really passionate about helping to raise this money for our two local schools.

‘I’m excited for the children and families in our community to begin to benefit from the new facilities this money will bring.’

The money was raised through The Southern Co-operative’s Community Support Scheme, where The Southern Co-operative donates a percentage of each store purchase’s profit when swiped with a membership card.

Kate Fripp, headteacher at Emsworth Primary School said: ‘Our whole school is extremely grateful for the money that has been raised. We have exciting plans to develop the outdoor area for our children in Years 3 and 4.

‘This area can then be used for learning and by families after school. The children are excitedly looking through catalogues and debating the merits of canopies and pergolas! Thank you to the community of Emsworth from all of us.’

Erika Biddlecombe, headteacher at St James’ Primary School said: ‘The children, staff and parents are absolutely delighted with the generous donation of £7,500 from The Southern Co-operative.

‘This money is funding our new outdoor area and without you this would not be possible. The area will enable children to learn about wildlife in their local area as well as offering a peaceful place to work.’

The donation comes ahead of the store’s launch of a new community engagement programme, Love Your Neighbourhood, aimed at bringing together the Emsworth community to help make a positive difference to the local area.