Redrow South Midlands, which is currently building new homes at King’s Meadow, on King’s Avenue, has presented Highfield Ely Academy with a donation of £1,300 as part of its community fund initiative.
The funds will be used to purchase and install secure fencing and dig a pond in the school’s outdoor area, which is used daily by pupils during their recreational breaks and lunchtimes.
Highfield Ely Academy is one of Cambridgeshire’s Area Special Schools, based near the centre of Ely. With 135 students aged between 2-25 years old, the school provides excellent facilities for pupils that have a broad range of needs and disabilities.
The donation will be a welcome addition to the school’s existing outdoor area which saw the creation of ‘Muddy Boots Farm’ last year, an onsite farm in the school’s grounds which is now home to goats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
The pond will complement the farm and create an engaging area where students with a range of special needs and abilities can safely interact with water and nature, offering numerous new enrichment opportunities for the school’s curriculum, while improving students’ wellbeing.
Adam Daw, Headteacher at Highfield Ely Academy, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Redrow South Midlands for this donation. This will make a huge difference to our students, who will be able to safely access the pond and its wildlife, when they’re spending time on the farm. We look forward to welcoming other schools to visit the pond too – with our students as guides!”
Andrew Newman, Head of Sales for Redrow South Midlands, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the local area’s younger generations at Highfield Ely Academy.
“The work that Highfield Ely Academy continues to do to ensure that pupils with special needs are able to benefit from an excellent tailored education is wonderful and we hope our contribution helps to make a real difference. We’re proud to contribute to the pond area and look forward to hearing how the pupils, staff and animals enjoy their updated space.
“The Muddy Boots Farm is well loved by all the Ely pupils as a tranquil space to unwind and relax. As we begin to leave behind the colder months, outdoor activities and interacting with nature will offer the perfect opportunity to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
“We are delighted to support a cause that keeps the Ely community thriving all year round and can’t wait to get our wellies on to visit the complete Muddy Boots Farm project.”
Offering stunning views of the Fens, Redrow King’s Meadow features three to five-bedroom homes situated in a charming, rural location on the north east edge of Ely. Perfect for a growing family, the development enjoys an array of amenities in the nearby town centre, including an 800-year-old market in the centre of Ely and the Cloisters Shopping Centre.
Find out more about homes at King’s Meadow, please call
