HELPFUL Holidays have donated £500 to support Chagford Primary School, in their bid to finance their Woodland School classes for another year.

The PTFA at the school have been fundraising over recent months to secure the future of the programme for the 2023/2024 school year, which sees all classes from Reception to Year 6 enjoy three sessions per half term.

Forming an essential part of child development, the Woodland School sessions allow children to better understand their natural surroundings. 

They learn about plants, insects, animal life and natural processes of nature, like the weather and seasons.

It also develops their team building and problem-solving skills in a highly practical environment, with exercises like den building and safe fire lighting.

James Webb, operations manager at Helpful Holidays said: ‘We are delighted to be able to support Chagford Primary School by offering a contribution towards their Woodland School next year. Our local team here in Chagford know the benefits of being in the great outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and exercising in our beautiful surroundings. 

‘We believe that all children should have the opportunity to experience this as part of their curriculum, and it is a pleasure to know we can help local children in this way.’

Zoe Francis, chairman of the school PTFA, added: ‘We have been completely overwhelmed by the generosity of the community in supporting the Woodland School fundraiser. Thanks to this community support, including a very generous donation from Helpful Holidays, the children of Chagford Primary are able to continue to access the many benefits that outdoor learning has to offer for a further year.’

In total the school have raised more than £3,000 to fund the classes and materials, covering the cost of Woodland School for another 12 months.

The Helpful Holidays donation comes just weeks after the agency, which is part Sykes Holiday Cottages Family, celebrated becoming part of a B Corp certified business, marking a major milestone in the company’s mission to make a positive contribution to its people, the planet, and the communities it serves.