Two Yorkshire primary schools have undergone a colourful transformation over the summer holidays – thanks to scores of volunteering staff from a worldwide company with its head office in Batley.
More than 50 employees of PPG Architectural Coatings – the global parent company of Johnstone’s
Paint and Leyland Paints which is based on Huddersfield Road in Birstall – have worked tirelessly over the course of two weeks, providing a redecoration makeover ready for the students’ return.
Birstall Primary Academy and Fieldhead Primary Academy have had planters, fences, play equipment, seating and the school’s amphitheatre painted by the volunteers.
An official opening ceremony was held welcoming VIP guests including Mayor of Kirklees Councillor Christine Iredale and Batley and Spen MP and Shadow Minister for Early Years Tracy Brabin, along with students, parents and staff. Culminating in a performance on the playground from a Brazilian percussion band for almost 200 children, who were invited to join in and play instruments.
Andrew Riley, Senior Business Manager for the schools, said: “PPG’s staff have totally transformed the look of our playgrounds – the children, staff and parents love the final look.
“This is going to make such a huge difference, not only to current students but also the future students of Birstall and Fieldhead Primary Academies.
“The new colourful look, along with the addition of the new playground markings, is sure to inspire the children and help create a happy, welcoming learning environment.
“It is great to see a worldwide renowned company giving something back to the local community. It is an amazing gesture and we are all hugely grateful for PPG’s efforts.”
PPG has supported the project through its Colourful Communities campaign, in which it finds ways to make a difference to the communities in which it operates.
Veronica Horsfall, communications manager at PPG, said: “We are thrilled to have had a huge number of our staff volunteering for this project – it was wonderful to see the children’s faces on their return to school.
“With our office having a long-term base in Batley, this is a project that can really make a difference to the children’s daily school lives and has been a real opportunity for our staff to give something back to the community.”