Barratt build bridges at Clayton Mills

Vocational education started early for children from Hassocks Infant School last week. A team from Barratt Southern Counties demonstrated a variety of building operations and skills on the school's visit to Barratt's site at Clayton Mills, Hassocks where the company is building 130 houses in the first phase of a development of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes. The children were also able to try their hand at bricklaying.

Links with the school are already strong. Earlier this year Barratt donated £1,000 towards the refurbishment of the play area for the reception year.

The idea of the trip was to show the 60 children, aged between six and seven, how houses are built, what materials are used, and the need for a safe working environment. After an introduction, including a safety talk, the children were kitted out with hi-vis jackets and safety helmets. They were then taken on a guided tour around the building site. There was the opportunity to see homes at various stages of build process and even watch how a fork-lift truck works.

The finale was a bricklaying demonstration, after which the children donned protective gloves and were given the chance to experience the art of bricklaying by laying some bricks themselves.

"We are very grateful to Barratt, who have already given great support to us," said Jeannie Hughes, Headteacher of Hassocks Infant School. "This visit has shown the children the practical aspects of housebuilding and introduced them to the skills required. They recently completed a project on houses in the classroom, using toy building bricks. Today has really brought it alive for them."

Barratt recognise that a development the size of that at Clayton Mills makes them part of the local community, and they are keen to underpin their contribution in useful ways. All the pupils who visited the development have also been given the chance to enter a Design a Flag Competition. Children were invited to look for things to draw, using the building site as inspiration. The winning child will have their design made into a real flag to adorn its own flagpole at Clayton Mills and also win a £50 voucher for a store of their choice.

"Events like this help us play our part in building a sense of community and help integrate Clayton Mills into the neighbourhood and what better way than to help children understand how houses are built, and to help the school where many of our new owners will want to send their children." says Trevor Sawyer, managing director of Barratt Southern Counties.

Located on the edge of the historic village of Hassocks, Clayton Mills is ideal for those who seek a rural life, but without compromising the conveniences of modern society. All the homes at this stunning development have designer fitted kitchens, beautifully coordinated bathroom suites, and superb lighting and décor throughout. Clayton Mills also features four play areas for the children, an attractive feature pond and a network of informal footpaths.

Indeed, the combination of desirable country living and convenient commuter connections - Hassocks is less than a mile from the A23 - available at Clayton Mills is proving extremely popular. Over 70 per cent of the first release, which comprises 130 new homes, has already been sold.

Prices at Clayton Mills start from £249,995 for a two-bedroom home. Three-bedroom homes start from £290,500, four-bedroom homes from £399,995 and five-bedroom homes from £629,995. For further information, see Barratthomes.co.uk.