New play space created for Crowdys Hill School

The new space was built on previously unusable land following a request by the Special Educational Needs school and provides an open area for primary children to play in during break times, and lessons, when needed.

Various pieces of equipment can now be used including bikes and trikes, while the space provides an ideal environment for ball games and for children to run around in.

Connor Construction (South West) Ltd, which carries out regular highways repair work for the Council, contributed more than half of the £95,000 budget for the project as part of its social value commitment within its contract with the Council.

The project was delivered with the support of Cooper Construction Oxon Ltd, which carried out the works on site, while Heidelberg Materials supplied the materials to the school free of charge.

Work was carried out over the course of the summer break, making sure the area was ready to be used by children as soon they returned from their holidays.

Councillor Kate Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Education, said: “This is exactly the kind of investment that can make a big difference to children’s day-to-day experiences at school. The new play space is versatile, accessible and designed to help pupils enjoy being active in a safe and supportive environment.

“It’s been fantastic to see the excitement on children’s faces, and I’m grateful to everyone who helped make the project possible.”

Councillor Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Social value is about creating benefits for local communities, and this project shows how powerful that can be in practice.

“Thanks to Connor Construction’s commitment through its contract with the Council, pupils at Crowdys Hill School now have a high-quality outdoor space they can enjoy every day.

“It’s a great example of partnership working delivering real results for local people, and I’d like to thank all those involved for helping bring the project to fruition.”

Gemma Meiklejohn, Headteacher at Crowdys Hill School, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this fantastic new play space for our pupils. Outdoor play is an important part of supporting children’s physical development, wellbeing and social skills, and this new area provides a safe and accessible environment where they can be active, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun.

“Prior to this work, this area of the school was completely unsuitable for our children to play in, but since they have returned from the summer break they have been making full use of the space. It has already made a real difference to their experience at school. We are extremely grateful to Swindon Borough Council, Connor Construction and all of the partners involved for their generosity and support in making this project a reality.”

Daniel Ward, Contracts Manager at Connor Construction (South West) Ltd, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have played a part in delivering this project for Crowdys Hill School. For us, social value is about using the work we do to make a genuine and lasting difference in the communities we serve.

“Seeing this space transformed, and knowing it will give children a safe, inclusive and enjoyable place to play, learn and spend time together, is exactly why projects like this matter so much to us.

“This has been a real team effort, and we’re delighted to have worked alongside Swindon Borough Council, the school and our delivery partners to create something that will continue to benefit the children for many years to come.”