Playtimes have shifted up a gear for youngsters after a school secured funding for new bikes and playground equipment through a supermarket community scheme.
Pupils at Lifton Community Academy have been enjoying new balance bikes, helmets and play equipment after the school received £1,000 through Tesco’s Stronger Starts programme.
The funding has allowed the school, which is part of the Learning Academy Partnership, to buy a set of balance bikes and safety helmets for younger children.
Pupils have been using the bikes during playtimes to help develop confidence, coordination and early cycling skills. The funding has also paid for fine motor skill tables on the playground to support dexterity and hand-eye coordination through play.
The grant was awarded through Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme, which supports local projects chosen through customer votes using tokens in stores.
Adam Hill, headteacher at Lifton Community Academy, said: “The children are absolutely loving the new bikes and play equipment, and playtimes have been buzzing with excitement since they arrived.
“We’re very grateful to our school community for their support in helping us secure this funding through Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme. It’s made a real difference to the children’s play experiences.”
Tracey Cleverly, chief executive of the Learning Academy Partnership, said: “This is a brilliant example of how community support can have a direct impact on children’s experiences in school.
“The funding is helping pupils stay active, build confidence and develop important skills through play.”
Lifton Community Academy became an academy in 2022. Before converting, the former Lifton Community Primary School was rated “Good” during its last Ofsted inspection in March 2017.
More information about the school can be found at Lifton Community Academy.
