Parents who helped create a garden at Nields School in Slaithwaite have won an award – and got a mention in Parliament.
Nields PTFA won an award in Parentkind’s inaugural National PTA Week. The event was a celebration of all the ways parent volunteers contribute to the life of their school and the educational experiences of children.
Nields PTFA won the Fundraising Achievement of the Year category because of the great effort put into the Nields Garden fundraising campaign over the autumn term. Funds raised were matched by One Community Kirklees.
Many local businesses also supported the fundraiser and the subsequent creation of the garden.
Garden designer and project manager Karen Hill said the impact of the garden had already been felt across the school.
Children benefited from being out in the garden and learning about growing and nature.
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Karen said: “It is so rewarding to see the pupils enjoying the garden space. There is a sense of joy but also a calming effect.
“I have had the pleasure of the current year 6 pupils helping me to create the garden for a few hours each week; building benches, building big hotels, filling planters with soil, planting and tending the flowers, herbs and edible plants.
“They have learned so much about nature and its importance. None of this would have been possible without the generosity of all those who joined in with our Crowdfunder and fundraising activities, so thank you for allowing us to make a lasting difference.”
Members of Nields PTFA attended an online ceremony last month where it was announced that they had won. Award winners were decided by a panel of judges.
Emily McAllister, chair of the PTFA, said: “The Covid pandemic has impacted our ability to organise fundraising events and has really restricted the ways in which we can raise vital funds, so to be recognised during this difficult time is so uplifting.
“I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a committed and amazing group of parents and members of the wider community who dedicate their time and effort to enrich our children’s learning experience.
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“Our PFTA members have been very creative in their ideas of fundraising events to ensure that this can continue through these challenging times.
“The garden area is superb and such an asset to our school, to see how the children have taken responsibility for its upkeep and development and enjoy spending time in there, has been wonderful.”
Interim head Miss Abi Owen said: “Everyone at Nields would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to the members of our school’s PTFA.
“We have always known how wonderful they are, they work so hard on inspiring projects that will benefit the children. However, now an official organisation has recognised it too! A big heartfelt thank you from all of us at Nields.”
Any parents who want to get involved with outdoor activities should contact the school office.
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