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The Path To Healthy Eating

When Wexham Court Primary School near Slough sought help to improve pupils’ access to their growing polytunnel, Brett Aggregates’ stepped in.

When Wexham Court Primary School near Slough sought help to improve pupils’ access to their growing polytunnel, the team at Brett Aggregates’ George Green Quarry didn’t hesitate to get involved, not only donating material to build a safe, even path around the greenhouse but also the manpower to lay it.


The school is situated in extensive grounds on the site of a farm estate dating back to the 13th century, making it quite unique in the area.  The school campus includes open grass areas for sports and play and a wooded nature trail that follows the course of the medieval moat which once surrounded the manor house, home farm and church of the estate – in all a valuable learning environment for the pupils. 


“We aim to give our children the opportunity to use the wonderful space that the school has for growing flowers, fruit and vegetables and the polytunnel is used extensively for planting seeds and growing plants,” explains School Governor, Ruth Rooley. “The area around it was overgrown and uneven, making access difficult for the children, but the new path that Brett has provided has transformed the space.”


It was Ruth who came to Brett Aggregates with the school’s plea for help. “The Brett team were so helpful,” she says. “They not only agreed to supply the material for the path but to lay it for us too.  Their efforts have really enhanced the growing area.”


Stuart Spring, Site Manager at George Green Quarry was particularly delighted to be able to support the school in its hour of need as he attended the school himself as a boy. “It was really nice to give something back,” says Stuart. “Building strong relationships with the local community is always important to Brett and this small project was a wonderful opportunity to do something meaningful and useful for the school, which is at the heart of the community and very close to the quarry.” 


After an initial site visit to size up the job, Stuart and colleague, Paul Matias laid the seven tonnes of 10/20 mm gravel donated by Brett.  “It was very rewarding to put in a few hours work and see such a transformation, knowing that what we have done will make a big difference to the children at the school,” adds Stuart.


Pupils from every year group get involved with gardening activities.  The school runs a Gardening Club for all ages and each class nominates an “Ecomonitor” who is responsible for taking a turn with watering and caring for the plants. The school has won the Schools Cup - a trophy presented by the Stoke Poges, Wexham and Fulmer Horticultural Society - for the last three years for its gardening efforts, beating off competition from other local primary schools. Each school is asked to grow sunflowers to see who can grow the tallest and to follow a different topical theme in their garden each year. Examples of the children’s work and produce are displayed at the Society’s annual show.


“The fruit and vegetables grown and harvested by the children are taken to the school kitchen and served as part of their school dinners, giving them the chance to learn where nutritious food comes from and how important it is for their health,” says Ruth.  “The school is very grateful to Brett Aggregates for their kind donation and support.  It has made the polytunnel so much more accessible, which will benefit everyone involved in the school’s gardening activities.”

 

Wexham Court Primary School 3
Wexham Court Primary School
Wexham Court Primary School2