North Bradford School Grounds Project launched

Business bosses are being urged to back an ambitious environmental scheme to transform learning at Bradford primary schools. Be Involved is leading a project of green improvements at 15 Bradford North primary schools in partnership with Bradford Council and Bradford Community Environment Project.

The programme was launched at Lower Fields Primary School where leaders of the North Bradford Schools Programme called for more private partners to help deliver the project. The programme is part-funded by Bradford North Area Committee and the schools themselves but relies greatly on the generosity of businesses to donate materials and supply volunteers to carry out the work which includes as creating gardens, raised vegetable plots and outdoor classrooms.

At the event Anthony Waddington, Programme Manager at Be Involved, explained the importance of business involvement;

"This project couldn’t be done without business support. The work we are doing tends to be outside the major curriculum element of schools so this project allows us to step beyond those funding restrictions to do something different and innovative. There are a lot of pressures on business at the moment but this type of activity can have some tangible business benefits even during difficulty economic times."

“Our most forward-thinking business partners are stepping up their community involvement programmes in response to the recession. In a time when you need to retain the best staff, make the most out of your promotional chances and be visible above competitors, getting involved in programmes like this is a great opportunity.”

In a huge boost to the programme Be Involved has now learned that it has secured £30,000 for a wind turbine to be built at Swain House Primary School. The wind turbine is the single most expensive addition to the project and Be Involved is now seeking planning permission. It has been jointly funded by a donation from environmental engineering giant MWH Global who have offices in Bradford and a grant from the Government’s Low Carbon Buildings Programme. The 15-metre, 6kW structure would significantly reduce the school’s energy consumption and bolster children’s environmental learning.

Firms already contributing to the project include the Yorkshire Building Society, Yorkshire Water, Provident Financial, Uriah Woodhead, Arnold Laver and Thomas Crompton. Businesses interested in getting involved in the project can contact Be Involved on 01274 770472 or e-mail info@beinvolved.co.uk.