York school issues heartfelt thanks to volunteers who took part in ‘Big School Clean Up’

Staff at Appleton Roebuck Primary School have thanked everyone who helped to tidy its outside area, which will now be used for outdoor science and nature lessons

As part of an initiative hosted by the newly formed Parent Teacher Association (PTA), dozens of staff, pupils, parents and carers came together on Saturday the 11^th of June to take part in the ‘Big School Clean Up’.

There was a huge turnout on the day, including volunteers from across the local community, with some participants bringing gardening tools, pressure washers and painting equipment to help speed things up.

One parent even brought a tractor on the day to dig out some very well-rooted plants, while the local Co-op in Copmanthorpe donated tea and coffee, and the PTA donated lots of biscuits and homemade cake to keep everyone going.

Laura Swain, a teaching assistant at Appleton Roebuck, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out on the Saturday to help improve the school grounds for our students, and to those who donated drinks and treats to help keep everybody’s energy up.

“We take a huge amount of pride in our school environment, so it’s great to see the outside reflecting the passion for learning that takes place on the inside. Even better that we can now also use the pond for the children to take part in outdoor science and nature lessons.  

“Overall, it really was a fantastic day. It was hard work, but everyone enjoyed taking part and it showed what can be achieved when the community comes together.”

Appleton Roebuck forms part of the Star Multi Academy Trust, which is made up of eleven schools located across the Sherburn, Tadcaster and Selby areas of North Yorkshire.