IN a rural community, one of the best things, and especially for a small rural school, is the ability to come together as a community - and that is exactly what happened on Sunday, May 18 at Cheriton Fitzpaine's annual School Force Day.

Volunteers in action at Cheriton Fitzpaine’s annual School Force Day.
Volunteers in action at Cheriton Fitzpaine’s annual School Force Day. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

Painting fencing and a gate at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School.
Painting fencing and a gate at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

More than 50 members of the school and village community joined together to tackle a variety of jobs in the school's vast outdoor space, including children from the school and nursery.

After the success of last year's outdoor learning project which saw the construction of a canopy, fire pit, and outdoor learning space, this year volunteers tackled weeding and replanting the vegetable patches, clearing “Story Mountain”, renewing the field playhouse, and creating and improving wildlife areas.

Young volunteers in action at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School.
Young volunteers in action at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

Busy during the annual School Force Day at Cheriton Fitzpaine.
Busy during the annual School Force Day at Cheriton Fitzpaine. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

Donations were received from CMC Eakers (roof felt), Morrisons (tea, coffee and cakes) and local families (plants, wildlife area materials and cash donations.)

Furthermore, Arque Ltd, based in Crediton, were able to support by building a brand-new fence and gate around their school pond area – creating a safer, more enjoyable space for outdoor learning.

All ages took part in cleaning and tidying during the School Force Day.
All ages took part in cleaning and tidying during the School Force Day. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

Painting the inside of the playhouse in the school grounds.
Painting the inside of the playhouse in the school grounds. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

Working in collaboration with Travis Perkins , who generously donated the materials, members of their site team volunteered their time to clear the area and construct the new fence.

Claire Theedom, Headteacher, said: “We were really touched by the generosity of the local community, both in terms of giving up their time, and making donations towards the project.

Tidying up the outdoor classroom area at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School.
Tidying up the outdoor classroom area at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

Sprucing up the playhouse at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School.
Sprucing up the playhouse at Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School. (Cheriton Fitzpaine School)

“The sense of community spirit as we worked on the shared projects was fantastic and reminded me what a very special place Cheriton Fitzpaine Primary School is.

“We are blessed to have such fantastic outside spaces to play and learn so it's wonderful that we have the enthusiasm and support of the school community to keep improving them!”