'It’s as if someone has come along and waved a magic wand' - headteacher praises community for creating new 'outdoor classes' at Foxton Primary School

An ecstatic headteacher has saluted his “fantastic community” after they waved a “magic wand” to turn his Harborough school into a Great Outdoors oasis.

Phil Clark said he was very proud after his staff, parents, villagers and local shops have all united to work wonders on Foxton Primary School.

And he said youngsters were loving returning to their classes in the fresh air after being locked down by the Covid-19 crisis for almost three months.

Elated Phil has spoken to the Harborough Mail after mum Christina Blockley, 28, launched the groundbreaking venture in our paper last month.

“We just cannot believe the work that’s been done at our little village school.

“It’s as if someone has come along and waved a magic wand,” said Phil, who has 92 pupils aged from 4-11.

“They carried out all the work two weeks ago before our pupils came back.

“As well as being amazing for our school it’s also been fantastic for the village of Foxton.

“We have had about 15 families of pupils come along and help us.

“Children who attended here years ago have seen your story on the Harborough Mail website and got in touch to help out.

“Villagers have also lent a hand along with local charities and shops.

“It’s been absolutely astonishing.”

The miracle makeover has been conjured after Christina appealed through the Mail for local tradesmen and women and businesses, mums and dads, to get behind them.

And the entire community has shrugged the coronavirus lockdown to one side to respond with all guns blazing.

“The public reaction across the board has amazed us all.

“Our youngsters have now got a special Investigator’s shed,” said Phil.

“They have got magnifying glasses to study insects as well as flowers and plants.

“There are tables, chairs, shelves and a range of special children’s books dedicated to bugs and insects and the garden.

“Pupils are growing tomato plants on a new trellis.

“Our children are loving it.

“They are so eager to get out into the outdoors and back to nature that they can hardly sit down long enough for morning registration!

“They are getting lots of fresh air, they are being physically active, they are learning about our brilliant environment and it’s easier to stay enough feet apart.

“This complete transformation has made it so much easier and better for them to return to lessons after so many weeks off during this very strange time.”

Christina, whose son Oscar, four, is in the Foxcub reception class, said they had raised £1004.38 to help bankroll the breathtaking clean, green refurb.

“The go fund me page brought in £385 and £150 was donated by the Lions club in Market Harborough,” said Christina, of nearby Gartree.

As for the Foxton Primary School roll of honour, she said:

• A new shed, plants and a bag of bark were handed over by B&M in Market Harborough

• A selection of plants and seeds was donated by Sainsbury’s in Market Harborough

• Much-loved Usborne books for the Investigator’s shed were donated by Emma Bowers of ‘Read with Fred’ with more books coming soon

• The inspiring Rise to the challenge sign was made by big-hearted Market Harborough PPE Good Samaritan Aaron Shrive

• Planters were made by a retired Foxton villager

• A water wall was created by a reception mum

• The school’s mud kitchen was restored by a reception dad

• New chalkboards were made by a reception dad.

“I am delighted with the way that so many different people, businesses and organisations have acted to make this happen,” said Christina.

“It’s been incredible from start to finish and their support and astonishing work means the world to us and our children.”

Phil said that about 30 Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils returned to the school on Monday June 1.

“They have settled back in beautifully, thanks to this stunning transformation.

“People have displayed so much talent, creativity and imagination as well as giving us so much time and effort,” he said.

“This pandemic really has brought our village community together like never before.

“I’m very grateful and I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who has helped us.

“I’d like to pay special tribute to Christina, who has shown huge vision, drive and determination to get this off the ground in the first place.”