Fundraising campaign launched to help primary school near Peterborough install vital air conditioning to keep pupils safe in heatwaves
As Peterborough sweats in yet another heat wave, one school near the city is attempting to plan for the future – and more hot weather.
As with many schools, Folksworth Church of England Primary School have been finding it challenging to navigate the spells of hot weather during the summer term with temperatures often climbing to over 30°C in classrooms.
All of the classrooms have a wall of windows and this, combined with the number of children in each room, makes the temperature increase further.
Whilst there is no set temperature that a school would close it becomes a concern for both headteachers and parents alike as they strive to keep the children safe and well.
The school has said hot weather has left pupils tired and distracted, which in turn has impacted their learning at school.
The Folksworth Friends (PTA) have launched a campaign to install air conditioning units in the classrooms. It is currently organising fundraising events supported by the local community, as well as launching a GoFundMe campaign, to help raise the money needed.
They are looking to raise £4,000 – and have already raised nearly half of the money.
Headteacher Michelle Norbury, said the challenging financial situation for schools meant it was not possible for the funding to come out of the normal budget.
She said: “School budgets are currently very restricted and there is not funding for projects such as this. As a small village school with fewer than 100 pupils, improvements to the learning environment can have a direct and meaningful impact on every child. During periods of hot weather, pupils can become tired, distracted and less able to concentrate, which can affect both their learning and wellbeing.
"Air conditioning would help create a cooler, more comfortable environment where children can stay focused and thrive and we are grateful to the Folksworth Friends for launching this campaign.”
If there are any local companies of individuals within our community who can support the Folksworth Friends in achieving this ambition for the children then please contact them directly or donate directly through our GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/airconditioning-for-folksworth-school