Exeter school transformed after families raise £15,000 for new play equipment

Pupils at a primary school near Exeter are enjoying brand-new playground equipment after families and local supporters raised more than £15,000 to transform the outdoor space.

Children at Lady Seaward’s Church of England Primary School, in Clyst St George, officially opened the new facilities last week following months of community fundraising.

The project has seen the installation of a new “trim trail” featuring wobbly bridges, hanging ropes and climbing elements designed to encourage active play and help pupils develop balance, coordination and confidence.

School leaders say the equipment will provide far more than just a fun addition to breaktimes, offering important benefits for children’s physical health, social skills and mental wellbeing.

Head of School Gemma Pattison thanked everyone who contributed to the appeal, praising the generosity of parents and the wider community.

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“We’re extremely grateful to our school families and to the wider community for raising over £15,000 and enabling us to buy this equipment for our pupils,” she said.

“As a school, and across First Federation Trust, we believe that playground facilities don’t just offer a fun breaktime for children.”

“This type of equipment can provide opportunities for physical and mental development, allowing children to learn and grow beyond the classroom.”

The fundraising effort brought together parents, staff and supporters over several months, with a range of events and activities helping to reach the final total.

The new trim trail is already proving popular with pupils, who were given the chance to try it out for the first time at a special opening celebration.

Mrs Pattison said the school was particularly pleased to be able to offer children more opportunities to stay active and social outdoors.

“Some of the benefits of having these products on site include building fitness, increased socialisation and collaboration, problem-solving, and mental wellbeing,” she explained.

“The children are very much looking forward to some better weather when they can get into the playground more to use it all.”

Lady Seaward’s CE Primary School is part of the First Federation Trust, a group of Devon schools which work together to share resources and improve opportunities for pupils.

Staff say the new equipment will be used daily by children of all ages and will support the school’s wider focus on healthy lifestyles and outdoor learning.

For families who helped make the project possible, the sight of children enjoying the finished result has already proved its value.

The school hopes the upgraded playground will benefit pupils for many years to come, providing a space where they can play, learn and grow together.