Mossley primary school seeks help for vital shelter

A MOSSLEY primary school has appealed for help as it seeks a permanent playground shelter for its children.

The parent teacher association at Milton St John’s says the ‘positive impact’ of work it has already put in can be seen.

However, it wants to install a wooden structure with a canopy – similar to the one pictured – at the Mill Lane establishment as part of a ‘much bigger vision.’

And it has appealed for ‘local tradespeople, businesses or anyone with the skills, resources, or time to help’ to come forward.

Milton St John primary school has appealed for help as it seeks a permanent playground shelter for its children

In a statement, the PTA said: “The PTA has been hard at work raising funds to enhance our playground, and we are excited to see the positive impact it’s already having.

“We’ve made some fantastic progress, with funds spent on items like construction materials, problem solving toys and Lego that the children love to play with outside.

“However, we have a much bigger vision for the space, and we need your help to make it a reality.

“Our primary goal is to create a sheltered area where children can enjoy outdoor reading, drawing, and other creative activities.

“This space would also double as an outdoor learning environment, providing teachers with the flexibility to hold lessons outside when the weather allows.

“We believe this addition will not only enhance the children’s experience on the playground but also enrich their educational opportunities in a more natural setting.

“However, we’re mindful of costs and want to keep the project as affordable as possible.

“While the PTA has allocated some funds toward this initiative, hiring a large construction company would be prohibitively expensive.

“To make this project achievable, we’d ideally like to work with local tradespeople, businesses, or anyone with the skills, resources, or time to help.”

Early details of what is needed to happen before any shelter – described as a ‘wonderful new space’ – can be put in place were also revealed.

The PTA added: “The location we have in mind for the shelter will also require some groundwork first.

“Specifically, we would need to remove some bricked planters in the area before we can begin building. This is where we’re hoping the community can step in.

“If you know anyone – whether a builder, landscaper, or someone with expertise in clearing and preparing outdoor spaces – who could offer their help, we’d be incredibly grateful.

“We’re looking for support in various forms, whether it’s donating materials, providing labour, or helping with the demolition of the planters.”

*ANYONE wishing to help, or who knows someone who can, has been asked to contact Milton St John’s by either calling 01457 832572 or emailing admin@milton-st-johns.tameside.sch.uk.