Realising Every Child’s Potential. Supporting the development of outdoor play in their Foundation Stage (P1 & P2) classes, the PTA of Drumachose PS sought assistance with the purchase of 60 ‘Puddle Suits’ that will enable the school to offer enhanced teaching that promotes the holistic development of children (particularly in light of Covid-19 implications) and provide access to the outdoor environment for learning in all weathers. In addition, the School will be able to host Shared Education outdoor play events which will create positive cross-community links and develop relationships with neighbouring primary schools. The Committee agreed that outdoor learning should always be encouraged and approved a grant of £1,000 to cover the estimated cost of 60 waterproof suits.
A Grant Report received in October 2021 included the School’s “… sincere thanks to the Honourable Irish Society for the very generous contribution of £1,000 towards our outdoor play redevelopment project”, which enabled the purchase of 76 waterproof outdoor suits for the children in the Foundation Stage. DPS also confirmed that “Our new outdoor clothing will significantly enhance the quality of the learning and teaching in the outdoors. As a result, the staff at Drumachose Primary School will be able to provide more challenging and varied outdoor learning experiences in all-weathers. And this will enable us to meet the social, emotional, behavioural and well-being needs of our children and young people”.
