Children take on obstacle course to help fund new equipment

ABOUT 20 children took part in an Easter-themed obstacle course to raise funds for Wargrave Pre-School.

The children, who are aged two to four, jumped through hula hoops, before stepping on footprint stickers and climbing on to a space hopper, then hopping back to complete the course in the playground.

The first event was held on Monday last week and different pupils have taken part each day, before finishing their final “bunny bounce” on Friday last week.

They were invited to dress up in bunny ears and accessories before tackling the course and cheering one another on as they took turns and followed instructions from staff.

The event, now in its second year, was organised by staff members to buy compost, seeds and supplies to set up their new plot at the Woodclyffe Allotments in Victoria Road which would be used by the children. The pre-school in East View Road has so far raised more than £500 from parents who sponsored the children and people who donated to their Just Giving page.

Nolan Samauroo, four, helped deputy manager Laura Hopkins to set up the course, deciding where the equipment would be placed.

Miss Hopkins said: “We have children come in on different days all week so this gives everyone a chance to take part. The children we have got at the moment are all quite physical and love to be outside. They often set up their own obstacle courses every day anyway.”

“We’re now getting the beds at the allotment ready to start planting so they’re learning how to spread out the compost. We have got planters in our garden on site and they all love to get involved.”

The children are currently building a bug hotel which they plan on installing by their allotment patch. Miss Hopkins added: “Hopefully in the summer term, we can go over and have a lot of picnics and spend a lot of time there.”

Tracy Hotson, the special educational needs and disabilities co-ordinator, said fundraising is “vital” after they announced in November that the pre-school was at risk of closure. It is finding it tough to cope with higher electricity, phone and internet bills and difficulties in securing grant funding.

Ms Hotson said: “We still need to fundraise to bring in the money to keep the pre-school open and for the children to have somewhere to come because there isn’t another one in Wargrave. They have so much fun here and events like this are good for the children to be able to socialise and experience new things.

“It would be handy if we could raise more money for equipment too so we can provide more sensory equipment.” To make a donation, go here.