HELP us make playtime fun!

Pupils at North Baddesley Junior School are desperate for new equipment to improve lunchtimes and help them be more fit and active.

The school is among the first to send in applications for a share in £6,000 for an outdoor building project through the Daily Echo’s School Build Challenge.

We have teamed up with leading construction firm Leadbitter, which has a regional base in Hedge End, to offer cash for a scheme that could boost a school’s green credentials, encourage healthier lifestyles or improve play facilities.

North Baddes-ley’s head teacher Susan Smith said the ideas for a fun fitness trail, activity play centre, or even just shaded canopies to make the playground nicer in summer, have come straight from the children.

She said: “Our budget is very tight and over the last few years we have really pushed on improving the environment and sustainability.

“We’re an Eco Green Flag school, but that has taken a lot of time and resources and the leisure side of things has taken a back seat.

CLICK FOR ENTRY FORM

“The school council has asked why we can’t have something in the playground to make playtime more interesting, but that can be very expensive.

“Something like a fitness trail or activity centre would really kick-start it and give us something to work towards with parents and the community.

“At the moment we’ve only got basketball nets, which we got through a Lottery grant, and a pergola, but other than that there’s a huge playground dominated by children playing football.

“There’s a little corner for those who don’t want to play football, but not much for them to do there.

“If we’re going to have a school council we must listen to what they come back with, and the children are very excited about it so it would be really nice to see it happen.

“There are lots of options out there to start us off, and the council would choose it and manage it – they’re already sorting out rotas for year groups to use it so it will teach them all about sharing, health and safety and responsibilities.”

Prizes of works up to the value of £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000 are on offer to all infant, junior and primary schools in the Daily Echo circulation area.

A panel of judges will choose the ten most deserving applicants and then readers will get to pick the winners.