School’s outdoor space set for upgrade thanks to Essex region

Students in Ongar are planning an upgrade to their outdoor learning space after receiving £5,000 funding from the Essex team via the Community Champions scheme.

A group of students who are taking more of their learning outside will be using the funds to replant areas within the school playground and create a welcoming space to be used during break and lunch.

The funding will also allow them to revamp the school’s pond area on the Year 7 field, which offers new starters the chance to gradually adjust to high school.

We have recently started work on the Charles Church De Lucy Place development that adjoins the school, bringing 129 high-quality new homes to the town.

Jonathan Sands, Head Teacher at The Ongar Academy, said:

“Thank you to Charles Church for this generous donation, and giving our students the opportunity to not only extend their outdoors learning but also to create green spaces they can enjoy in their lunch breaks.

“It is good to work with our neighbours and to forge a positive working relationship with local businesses so that together we can build a stronger town for our students and their families.”

Cllr Mary Dadd, Epping District Councillor for Ongar, joined the presentation at the school to hear how we are working with the community. She said:

“I was delighted to be invited to attend the formal handing over of a cheque to Ongar Academy from Charles Church towards improvements to their outside area.

“It was good to see the outside space the school wants to improve, and to hear their proposals. I was also pleased to acknowledge developers giving back to community groups in this way. I know there are further projects that the school and Charles Church are working on together and look forward to hearing more about them."

Christian Sims, Site Manager for De Lucy Place, said:

“We are delighted to be able to work with the school. At Charles Church, we take great pride in being a considerate neighbour and supporting the wider community as we deliver much-needed new housing to towns and villages.”