QUEEN Elizabeth’s School has received a significant boost to its outdoor learning and wellbeing initiatives thanks to volunteers from local employer Ernest Jackson.

Ernest Jackson volunteers in action at QE’s Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Project.
Ernest Jackson volunteers in action at QE’s Outdoor Learning and Wellbeing Project. (QE School)

On December 10, 11 volunteers dedicated their company volunteer day to helping transform areas of the school’s Western Road site.

The team tackled brambles and overgrowth, clearing two sections of land that will become new outdoor learning spaces and a dedicated mindful garden. These areas form part of QE’s wider commitment to developing enriching, nature-based environments that support student wellbeing, creativity, and hands-on learning.

With some of the items donated from CMC Eakers.
With some of the items donated from CMC Eakers. (QE School)

CMC Eakers generously provided vital tools and equipment.

Their donation, including robust gloves essential for managing bramble clearance, ensured work could be carried out safely and efficiently.

The community can continue to support the project throughout December, as QE is currently part of the Tesco Blue Token Scheme.

Ernest Jackson volunteers helping with the project at QE School.
Ernest Jackson volunteers helping with the project at QE School. (QE School)

Taking a break during the voluntary work at QE School.
Taking a break during the voluntary work at QE School. (QE School)

Shoppers are encouraged to place their token in the QE slot to help the school access additional funding for the next stage of development.

The school also secured £1,000 from Devon County Council’s Places to Go, Things to Do fund, towards designing, planting, and enhancing the newly cleared areas.

Tamlyn Fraiquin, Community Support at QE, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ernest Jackson for choosing QE.

An Ernest Jackson volunteer admires his work.
An Ernest Jackson volunteer admires his work. (QE School)

“Their hard work has left us with a clear space ready for the next stage of design and planting. A huge thank you also to CMC Eakers for their generous donation. It’s truly heartwarming to see our community come together in support of our students.”

Robert Cereda, of Ernest Jackson said: “Ernest Jackson recognises how important it is to support the local community so they offer every employee a day each year on full pay where they can volunteer to create a positive impact.

“A lot of employees are parents of QE pupils so it was great to be able to give something back to the school that does so much to support our children.”