"Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised"

sfytche1
Apr 12, 2018
3 min read

We arrived today very excited as we knew that it was just the finishing touches that were needed to make it perfect. These finishing touches involved:

Filling the tyres with compost and planting the flowers in them

Covering the base of the tepee with bark

Paint the benches and the tepee with clear wood preservative

Make the gift basket for the children so they can continue our legacy (Hand trails, seeds, knee pads, and watering can)

Spray paint the board with blackboard paint and decorate the frame ready for it to be used by the teacher and children

Build herb gardens

Water all the flowers

Tidy up and prepare outdoor area for use by the children when they return on Monday

We were all very excited to get these jobs done and delegated each role so they could be completed quickly. Ben and Josie worked together to build the herb gardens for the allotment, whilst Alice and Stephen laid and levelled out the bark in the tepee. We all then equipped ourselves with a paint brush and painted both the tepee and benches with wood preservative. We felt this was important as we wanted what we had built to last a long time and withstand the elements so a lasting legacy was left for the children.

We then worked together to complete the rest of the jobs on our list in good time. We then took a step back and looked at what we had built. As a group, we all agreed that we had produced something better than we could have ever imagined, it was amazing. All of the hard work, tears and time had been worthwhile, we were so proud of what we had achieved. It was such a relief to have finished the building and see our designs come to life.

We then took many pictures and sent these over to key individuals involved in the project to show them the progress we had made. We were overwhelmed by their responses and were so pleased to know they appreciated what we had done.

“Such an amazing thing you’ve achieved and with such amazing attitudes. I’m sure it’s been really hard work and the teams determination and spirit regardless of the obstacles that have been put in your way the end result looks amazing. Great role models for our Young People at Chichester!” – Sam Channon – Business Manager, West Sussex Alternative Provision College.

“Wow, what a transformation! You and the rest of the team have done an amazing job. I know the staff and pupils will be very impressed when they see what you have done.” – Shaun Jarvis – Headteacher, Chichester Alternative Provision College.

“I am in absolute awe at what you as a team have achieved and created in such a short time. The end result is a real legacy for the children which reflects your teamwork, dedication and commitment at every stage of the project. Fabulous!!” – Carol Hughes, Creativity Mentor.

“I am blown away with what you have done in the grounds. It is absolutely fabulous – I can’t wait to show it to my pupils and use the facilities with them.” – Carol Wilson, Primary Lead Chichester Alternative Provision College.