A grant from Kent Community Foundation has enabled Bower Grove School in Maidstone to install an adventure play area.
The Parents and Friends Association of Bower Grove School, applied to Kent Community Foundation for funding to install a new adventure play area for junior-aged pupils. Bower Grove is a special school in Fant Lane, Maidstone, for pupils aged between four and 16 with moderate and severe learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.
The new adventure play area is now complete and being enjoyed by pupils who benefit from outdoor play to expend energy away from classroom distractions which can sometimes trigger sensory overwhelm and anxieties. Outdoor activities are also extremely beneficial in supporting children to develop physical, social and communication skills.
Natalie Smith, Director of Grants and Impact, Kent Community Foundation said, “Kent Community Foundation welcomes funding applications from Kent schools and parent teacher associations. The application from The Parents and Friends Association of Bower Grove School explained that they wanted to install a new adventure play area that would be used frequently during the day and not just at playtimes, to support students’ behaviour and concentration in class. The play area also has a secondary purpose, for therapists to use the area with individual children and small groups of students.
“The Parents and Friends Association of Bower Grove School applied for £5,665 to cover the costs of this resource and we fully funded the project through The Vanquis Social Impact Fund, one of over eighty philanthropic funds that we manage. We are delighted to see that the project is now complete and to hear that the children are really enjoying playing on the new equipment in the adventure play area.”
Leanne White, Finance Manager and PA to Headteacher, Bower Grove School said, “The funding our school received has made a huge difference for our Junior pupils. They are now able to have fun with a whole host of new equipment. The children were very excited to see the new area and couldn’t wait to try it out! Thank you for enabling us to make this such a success!”
‘Friends of’ or parent teacher associations that require funding for school-based extra-curricular or enhancement activities can contact Kent Community Foundation to discuss funding options by phoning 01303 814500, emailing admin@kentcf.org.uk or visiting www.kentcf.org.uk/funding
About Bower Grove School
Situated in Fant Lane Maidstone, Bower Grove is a special school for pupils aged between four and 16 with moderate and severe learning difficulties and social, emotional and mental health needs.
About Kent Community Foundation
Grant-maker Kent Community Foundation has been finding, funding, and supporting some of the smallest voluntary organisations in the county for over twenty years. In this time, it has distributed over £50 million to support thousands of small charities and deserving causes where a modest sum of money can make a significant impact.
They are part of a UK wide accredited network of forty-seven Community Foundations who are committed to improving the lives of local people and communities, particularly the most vulnerable, isolated, and disadvantaged by matching those who want to help, with those who need the help.
Responsible for more than ninety philanthropic funds, Kent Community Foundation is unrivalled in its knowledge of local causes and assists individuals, families, and businesses, who want to help, to establish and administer their own charitable funds.
