797 views

A revamp of a nursery garden proved just the ticket for a group of unemployed young people looking to build their skills.

The outdoor space at Darlington’s Serendipity Pre-school was given a refresh by the town’s Prince’s Trust Team.

The 12-week personal development programme, delivered by Stockton Riverside College, helps young people age 16 to 25 to get back into employment, training or work, by taking part in a series of tasks and challenges.

The refurb at the pre-school on Willow Road came as a double whammy for the young people who, as well as developing their skills, also got the chance to give something back to their local community.

Prince’s Trust Darlington Team leader, Mark Hamilton, said: “The community challenge is all about showing the students how they can do something for their own community.
It shows them the real difference that they can make.”

He said working on the garden project was a demanding task that not only had them working hard but it also encouraged them to be creative while developing their personal qualities such as working effectively in a team.

The group dug in by revamping the mud kitchen, creating a bug hotel, sandpit and water feature, they added a new canopy, made a table and chairs with wooden pallets and even added a wormery, as well as adding colourful decorations throughout.

Serendipity Pre-School manager, Sam Donkin, said: “The outdoor space is really important to our children so this will be of real benefit.”

The pre-school employs several qualified beach school and forest school teachers, for as Sam explained for many youngsters it is well documented that they learn best outdoors.

She said: “It can be exceptionally good for children with additional needs and for those who the classroom just doesn’t work. These children often tend to learn better outdoors because they don’t realise they are learning.”

DSC01501-1024x683.jpg DSC01488-1024x683.jpg DSC01487-1024x683.jpg DSC01501.jpg DSC01491.jpg DSC01490.jpg DSC01488.jpg DSC01487.jpg DSC01486.jpg DSC01485.jpg
Share On: