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Pupils at Oakwood Infant School in Derby can now enjoy a creative, new playground and outdoor space thanks to the ‘Just Add Water’ team of Severn Trent apprentices.

The hands-on apprentices used the company’s Community Champions employee volunteering scheme to make a huge difference for playtime for the children at the Derbyshire school.

Amy Barber from Severn Trent said: “In just three days our apprentices built a green house, cleared the playground and painted outdoor seating areas and fences, making the area really exciting and appealing for the children.

“They also arranged for the school to have water butts delivered, to help support sustainability at the school and to help the children understand the water cycle and how important it is to save water.”

The apprentices from Severn Trent are currently embarking on the Brathay Apprentice Challenge, which involves promoting apprenticeships in their regions to schools, local business and taking part in community projects.

The team used their skills as apprentice maintenance technicians to transform the school, giving the children a new creative play space that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Amy adds: “The pupils now have a new exciting playground where they can play snakes and ladders and hopscotch at playtimes. Everybody in the team really enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to hearing how much the children love their new playground.”

Julie Carter head teacher at Oakwood Primary School said: “Your hard work and commitment has significantly improved what were rather dull areas into vibrant, colourful and interesting areas which I know the children, staff and parents will really appreciate and enjoy using on their return to school. I know the children will also love the new playground markings and benefit from playing games on these for many years to come.

“As you know our school budget is rather tight and we would not have been able to carry this much needed work out without your help and hard work. I would also like to thank Severn Trent for supporting such a worthwhile project and for generously supplying some of the materials and numerous hours of labour.

“It has been a pleasure working with the whole team and I am genuinely blown away at the difference your team’s work has made for our children. I can’t thank you enough for the opportunities your project will provide for our children in school.”