Dartmoor village school secures vital £30k grant to transform outdoor spaces

A primary school in Hennock, on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, has secured thousands of pounds in funding to improve its outdoor spaces, following strong support from the local community.

Hennock School’s Parent, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) was awarded the £30,000 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) grant through Hennock Parish Council. 

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The funding will support major upgrades to the school grounds, with work due to begin in June and finish before the new academic year in September.

The project aims to address long-standing drainage problems that have left parts of the grounds unusable for up to six months each year. 

Plans also include improvements to the preschool play area, which has suffered from surface deterioration, and the installation of new educational play equipment.

The development marks the second phase of a project that has been underway for four years, led by the PTFA. 

Fundraising efforts, including an annual barn dance, have raised more than £15,000 towards the work.

The grant was approved following a formal process involving Teignbridge District Council, including public consultation and community submissions. 

Hennock Parish Council received more than 149 letters of support, and 25 residents attended a council meeting on 24 March to speak in favour of the project.

Those present included school staff, local residents, representatives from the village hall, members of the academy trust, the headteacher, and former pupils. 

Councillors unanimously agreed to allocate the funding.

John Harvey, PTFA Treasurer, said: “We are extremely thankful to the Parish Council for their continued support of our village school. 

“This funding represents a huge step forward in our efforts to create a safe, engaging and sustainable environment for our children.”

PTFA Secretary Alison Wonnacott added: “We are incredibly grateful to Hennock Parish Council for securing this funding, and to everyone who has supported our fundraising efforts over the past four years. 

“This project will make a lasting difference to the children’s daily experience at school.”

The Link Academy Trust has also contributed to the project, supporting the installation of an eco-friendly surface for the preschool area.

School representatives say the improvements will enhance outdoor learning and help support the long-term future of the rural school.