A school from Pinvin in Worcestershire is to receive a £1,000 funding boost thanks to Community Champions.

Kerry Sinnett of Pinvin Friends Association explains: “Our association operates solely on our own fundraising and as is the case with many organisations, the pandemic has had a dramatic impact on our ability to organise events and activities to raise money, which has left our finances quite low.

“In addition to the financial effects, Covid has also seen a significant rise in awareness of children’s mental health and overall wellbeing. Our plans are to create reflection zone in an outdoor area which will include a sensory and mindfulness space where children can go to reflect and regulate their emotions, which in turn will help them to maintain focus on learning within the class situation.

“We have identified a small gated area that can be transformed into a sensory play space for the wider school community. This would incorporate sand play, water games, touch pools, lights, sounds and outdoor Perspex mirrors, all of which encourage children to become independent learners with a positive growth mindset. Children’s mental health is something we’re very passionate about at Pinvin First School and are extremely grateful to Persimmon Homes South Midlands for this donation that will go a long way towards getting our sensory area up and running.”

Amanda Rogers, sales director for our South Midlands region, said: “Increasingly schools are featuring dedicated sensory and reflection areas like this in their grounds as awareness of children’s mental health issues has come to the fore, particularly since start of the pandemic. We know how much harder it has been to organise fund raising events since Covid and are delighted to be able to help with this donation.”