Adding some colour to those school days (From Penarth Times)

Adding some colour to those school days

A PENARTH school has successfully secured funding from a well known high street bank, to spend on improving facilities for the pupils.

Staff from Barclays bank in Cardiff decided to adopt Ysgol Erw'r Delyn, on St Cyres Avenue, in an attempt to improve their resources. They sent teams of volunteers to the school in order to tackle four projects.

These included, the clearing of a derelict area, in order to provide a large playground for the youngsters, which should be finally completed within a few months.

The team have already finished the small playground for the infants, as well as redecorating the school's dining room.

The bank staff completed the safety play area, and provided all the materials. They dug out all the existing turf and fenced off the area for added security.

Head teacher Mike Farrell explained that the dining room was painted bright yellow and blue, and the curtains were also dyed. He added: "It looks like an Italian bistro."

Mr Farrell, said that the infants 'loved' their new playground, and all the pupils thought that their Mediterranean themed dining room was 'fantastic'.

The final project centred on creating an interactive corridor, and so the walls were painted and decorated.

He explained that the projects had enhanced the environment of the school, and had provided the children with the opportunity to enjoy better facilities. He added: "We have forged great community links with Barclays, and are very grateful to all of the staff there."

The school has had a community link with Barclays for the past six months, after the bank approached them, and asked if they had any projects that required attention.

Ysgol Erw'r Delyn is a local authority funded school, with 51 pupils, most of whom are profoundly disabled, and range from age 3-19 years.

Karen Thomas, from Barclays, said: "We desperately wanted these children to have as much fun as possible, and the new play area will allow them to play outside in safety, when the sun is shining."

Barclays Bank Plc donates 1 percent of its pre-tax profits to community causes each year. The aim of Barclays community programme is to achieve real and lasting benefit, for both the community and Barclays.

For further information on the community programme, contact Regional Community Manager Kathy Brown on 029 2042 6750.