Gleeson funds school extension

A Derbyshire primary school has extended its opening hours thanks to a donation by housing developer, Gleeson Homes. Gleeson is building The Brambles, a new development of family homes in close proximity to Bramley Vale Primary School in Doe Lea, near Chesterfield.

Gleeson representatives, who recently organised a safety talk and poetry competition for the pupils, were so impressed with the school they decided to offer a sustainability donation to help maintain and extend the before and after school care provision.

Bramley Vale Headteacher, Lynne Greenhough, said: “Gleeson’s generous donation means we have real sustainability for our before and after school clubs. We can now offer childcare to more and more families outside normal school hours and the children enjoy the range of activities we offer. Furthermore, we now have the funds in place to look at the long term growth of the clubs in terms of space and highly trained staff.”

Children who attend the clubs can take advantage of nutritious breakfasts and take part in craft workshops, outside games, fundraising and creative competitions. The school is currently offering care from 8.00am to 4.30pm with plans to extend the after school club to 5.30pm once it receives Ofsted certification.

Maxine Baxter, Sales Manager for Gleeson Homes, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Bramley Vale in providing this service. All the children made us so welcome when we have visited and, as more and more families have working parents, after school clubs are becoming increasingly important to modern life. We hope families who buy at The Brambles will see the benefit of the excellent facilities this school has to offer.”

Gleeson is building over 100 three and four-bedroom homes at The Brambles with a range of different house styles. Prices start from £142,995 and the builder expects to attract buyers commuting to Sheffield and Nottingham.

Ms Greenhough added: “We are hopeful the new housing development will attract new families to Doe Lea and they will be welcome to visit Bramley Vale School. The children have even made a DVD prospectus for Gleeson to hand out to their customers!”