20 July 2010 09:06
Netherfield school gets outdoor learning makeover thanks to E.ON volunteers

A team of 40 willing volunteers from E.ON's Commercial team recently spent a day revamping the grounds of Netherfield Primary School into safe and fun learning areas.

The huge project involved transforming an overgrown pond area into somewhere safe for the children to learn about nature and pond life. The team also cleared and tidied an allotment to provide an environment for children to learn about and nurture plants and vegetables from seeds, as well as creating an outdoor learning classroom.

Hannah Madeley, Teacher at Netherfield Primary School, said: "From a teaching point of view it's wonderful to have an outdoor classroom with enough room to seat a large group of children. The pond area too is now a vibrant and stimulating learning space.

"Children who were involved in painting plant pots on the ‘transformation' day feel a real sense of ownership and pride in their work - and the pots look beautiful against the backdrop of the new pond area.

"Both staff and children are thrilled with the outcome, and it was a pleasure to work with such a motivated, friendly and enthusiastic team, who've created a place which children will be able to enjoy and learn in for years to come. We would like to thank everyone involved for such an enjoyable and successful project."

Frank Barrow one of the E.ON volunteers involved in the day, said: "The team really enjoyed being able put something back into the local community by taking part in this challenge. A huge sense of achievement was felt by all and it was so rewarding to see the outcome of the school's vision by the end of the day. We hope children will continue to enjoy our handiwork for many years to come."

E.ON finds volunteering opportunities for employees across the UK, working with schools, older people and other vulnerable groups as part of its wider community relations programme. In 2009, E.ON employees spent over 8,000 hours volunteering in their local communities.

Ends

Notes to editors:

• E.ON is one of the UK's leading power and gas companies - generating and distributing electricity, and retailing power and gas - and is part of the E.ON group, one of the world's largest investor-owned power and gas companies. We employ around 16,000 people in the UK and over 88,000 worldwide;
• We're one of the leading green generators in the UK, with 20 wind farms located from Cambridgeshire to Kintyre. We own and operate one of the UK's largest dedicated biomass power stations at Lockerbie. Combined, our renewable portfolio generates enough green energy to power the homes in a city the size of Manchester.

For more information contact:

Victoria Blake on 02476 181304