It has been a quiet half term for families across Wiltshire, as people have been urged to keep their children at home.
Over half-term, parents have been able form a childcare bubble for kids under 14 with one other household – but not for social reasons.
With this in mind, children attending Dauntsey Academy Primary School (DAPS) in West Lavington were given a special treat as they started their half term break.
The school has always had a keen interest in eco-friendly activities for classes, so this was the inspiration for the gift.
Emily Muns, Governor at DAPS, said: “The children have been so resilient this term, showing such dedication to their home learning and responding so well in these challenging times. We are very proud of their positive attitudes and for taking home learning in their strides.
“We wanted to show our appreciation to the children and give them all a little present before the half term holiday.”
Outdoor learning in particular is a key element of the curriculum for the school, so governors decided on the gift of a bird house that could be both painted and decorated before being hung in a tree in each of their gardens.
The school also included bird seed for the children to scatter during the cold weather, all packed in biodegradable and recyclable packaging.
“Our children at DAPS love the outdoors and are very creative so this seemed the perfect gift for them all. We love the idea that 186 bright and colourful bird houses have appeared in the gardens of West Lavington and the surrounding villages. It reinforces one of our key beliefs at DAPS which is to look after the natural landscape in which the school sits.”
Emily has two children, Buddy and Ruby Rose, that attend DAPS and they helped to pack all of the bags in time for the children to finish school.
Bags ready to collect
Buddy, aged 10, said: “We are really missing our school friends so loved packing a gift for everybody. I can’t wait to see the bird houses my friends have painted and I hope we have some nests in our garden this year.” The children were invited to pick up their gifts from outside school on Friday February 19.
“We really hope we will be able to welcome all our children back to school in March and cannot wait for the daily excitement to return to our thriving school,” Emily added.
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