School bids for grant funding to thrive in nature

St Paul’s School, in Leamington, is in the running to receive a £10,000 grant that will allow it to improve its outdoor spaces so that children can practice the Thrive Approach in nature. This article was originally posted on Warwickshire World on April 8 and is available to view here.

A Leamington primary school has been shortlisted to receive a £10,000 grant which could lead to its pond and nature area being revamped and revitalised.

St Paul’s School, in Upper Holly Walk, now needs people’s votes for the project to receive the money from Severn Trent’s Community Fund grant.

"Next to the pond is a large open area which was previously used as an outdoor classroom and sensory area.

"This too has become overgrown and dangerous in places.

"With the help of this grant, we would like to make our pond and surrounding area thrive again.”

Huge emphasis was also put on the educational and sensory opportunities it will provide to both pupils and staff.

St Paul’s currently has 330 pupils between the age of four and 11.

Caroline Newell, interim headteacher at the school, said: “We practice the Thrive Approach in school as a way of supporting children's development and mental health and a fundamental part of this approach is the belief that spending time surrounded in nature can help our children’s emotional wellbeing.

Voting opened on April 1 and will be live for three weeks until midnight on Sunday April 24.

Foundry Wood in Princes Drive has also been shortlisted for a Bronze award to receive £5,000 from Severn Trent.

The money would go towards improving the wildlife habitat in the community woodland area.