School’s deadline to sort out cramped classrooms

Fundraising drive launched to secure £25,000 for project

A primary school needs to raise at least £25,000 to complete renovations so all pupils can return by September.

Wateringbury Primary School in Maidstone has been planning to extend two of its classrooms into a third room, currently used by staff, since before lockdown. The rooms can just about hold 30 pupils, but are 40% smaller than recommended, so staff and governors felt it would be wise to use the smallest room to enlarge the two bigger ones. However, since the pandemic hit, the urgency of the work has become apparent.

Social distancing will not be possible with full classes as they are now, and so the school is asking parents, businesses and local residents to donate to the cause so everyone can be back by September.

Headteacher, Chasey Crawford Usher, said: “We are up against a deadline now, it’s a critical time.

“We just can’t have 30 people in the classrooms with social distancing, it won’t be possible. The children will be literally within inches of each other and the teachers. It’s a big risk factor.” A school governor, Richard Dunn, who tragically passed away after contracting coronavirus on a holiday cruise in March, originally led the campaign to extend the cramped classrooms. Following the 74-year-old’s death, Ms Crawford Usher has vowed to continue his legacy. So far, the school has raised around £4,000, including £2,000 generously donated by Mr

Dunn’s wife, Ruth.

But a lot more is needed, with the price of works estimated at between £25,000 and £30,000. The school plans a leaflet drop and is getting in touch with businesses, hoping for possible sponsorship.

Despite having the tight deadline to meet, Ms Crawford Usher says “It’s a relief” all children can return to school in the Autumn term.

She said: “The pupils who have returned so far have been absolutely fantastic.

“They are incredibly aware and are all really good with washing their hands because they’ve been doing this before at home, but they do sometimes forget to socially distance.

“We have followed Government guidance but have also used our common sense. For example, it wouldn’t be realistic to have a one-way system at our school. The corridors are too narrow. Instead, we’ve invested in hand sanitiser with foot pumps and things we can practically do.”

She added: “It was a relief when we heard the announcement everyone can return in September because it means we have eight or nine weeks to get everything ready.

“We now know what we are dealing with and what we do and don’t need.”

To donate to Wateringbury’s classroom fundraiser, see givey. com/classrooms2020