WORK is well underway on major improvements to a small village primary school’s outdoor space.

Hennock School’s PTFA has managed to raise £60,000 to create an outdoor area to provide children with the best experiences and help secure the future of the school.

For several years, large areas of the grounds have been inaccessible to the school’s 60 plus pupils for up to six months of the year due to flooding and water logging.

The preschool play area has also suffered from surface deterioration, making it an unsuitable space for young children.

Now the diggers are in and the transformation has begun.

Volunteers have been clearing vegetation and moving materials to make way for the major construction work.

Over the past year, the school has secured significant grant funding which included £30,000 from Hennock Parish Council through the Community Infrastructure Levy.

Alison Wonnacott, Hennock PTFA Secretary, said: ‘What makes this project special is that it has been driven by collaboration, determination, and a shared belief that small rural schools play a vital role in their communities.

‘We're currently in the middle of the build, and while people are beginning to see the physical changes, the real story lies behind the scenes.

‘Countless hours have gone into fundraising, applying for grants, planning, designing, overcoming challenges, and bringing together local organisations and businesses who have generously donated their time, expertise, equipment, and resources to help make this vision a reality.

‘Our goal is simple: to create an inspiring environment that gives current and future pupils the very best opportunities, helps secure the long-term future of our school, and encourages more families to choose a small, nurturing village school.’

Head teacher Anthony Arnold has been right behind the project.

The PTFA’s own fund raising has seen £15,000 from its annual barn dance put towards the cost.

A further £8,000 came from the Link Academy Trust, £4,000 from the Norman Family Trust, £500 from Teignbridge Arts Society, plus Crowdfunding, match funding and generous donations.