Hennock Primary School's community transformation nears exciting milestone
Local businesses, volunteers and funders have helped create a new outdoor learning environment at Hennock Primary School, with the finished project set to be unveiled in September
Years of fundraising, grant applications and community support are set to culminate in the opening of a new outdoor learning and play space at Hennock Primary School this autumn.
The project has transformed what was once an underused and often flooded area of the Dartmoor school’s grounds into a modern outdoor environment designed to support learning, play and exploration for pupils.
Redevelopment has been led by the school's Parent, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA), working alongside staff, Link Academy Trust, local businesses, volunteers and funding partners.
Supporters say the aim has been to create facilities that benefit current pupils while helping secure the long-term future of the small village school.
A £30,000 infrastructure grant from Hennock Parish Council helped fund the scheme, alongside fundraising events and donations from the local community.
Planning permission was secured before work began, with the design intended to complement the rural setting while creating a modern outdoor learning environment.
New facilities include a dedicated Early Years and Foundation Stage area, covered outdoor learning spaces, planting areas, sensory features, musical chimes and a mosaic centrepiece.
The improvements are intended to allow outdoor learning throughout the year while encouraging creative play, physical development and exploration.
Local businesses, including Bridge Engineering, Aardvark Haulage and JMJ Ground Works, have supported the project, contributing skills, equipment and materials during the build.
Alison Wonnacott, secretary of Hennock Primary School PTFA, told The Moorlander: "The playground project began with a simple but important vision: to create a high-quality outdoor learning environment that would not only benefit current pupils but also help secure the long-term future of our school.
She explained how the venture had only been possible because of the support received from Hennock village locals.
"This has been a true community endeavour and has been several years in the making.
"What was once an underused, often flooded area has been transformed into a beautiful outdoor space where our children can learn, play and connect with nature," she said.
An official opening is planned for Friday, 11 September, when the school will celebrate the completion of the project and thank the volunteers, businesses, organisations and funders who helped make it possible.
The event also comes ahead of the Hennock Garden and Craft Festival on 13 and 14 September, when visitors will also be able to explore the new outdoor spaces.