West Moors Middle School is the first recipient in 2021 to receive an award from the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JYTAF).

The Ferndown based charity has provided funding to help with the purchase of a polytunnel which will be erected in the school grounds and give the children the space they need to grow food all year round.

A spokesperson from JTYAF said, “The mental health benefits of regular gardening are proven.  Not only can regular gardening reduce problems like depression and anxiety it can also reduce stress. The therapeutic gardening tasks, such as potting and weeding will provide a positive focus for the children, as opposed to the worries of coronavirus and any problems that they may be experiencing at home. It will also give them access to a whole range of outdoor learning opportunities and they will be able to use the fruit and vegetables that they grow in cookery lessons.”

Headteacher, Deborah Craddock commented, “We are all incredibly excited about this project in our school community.  It would not have been possible without JTYAF’s support.” 

If you would like to find out more about the work of the JTYAF, or join their team of volunteers, please visit their website. www.jtyaf.org or contact them at jtyaf@outlook.com