We have completed an outdoor transformation at a Worcester nursery

Children at a Worcester nursery can now enjoy outdoor play in more weathers after we returned to complete the second phase of a major community partnership project.

As part of our October Communities Connected activity, we installed a canopy over the refurbished outdoor play area at the Lighthouse Family Centre, helping to protect children from the rain and making the space more accessible throughout the year.

Following the completion of the first phase in May, we committed to returning to install the canopy and complete the transformation.

The work was finished in just five days by three operatives - Glyn Howard, Danny Drew and Keith Tyler - who volunteered their time to support the project. They continued working through the changeable British weather to ensure the new covered area was ready for the nursery's children and staff.

Staff and children at the centre are said to be delighted with their new, drier outdoor space.

The original project was developed after our colleagues visited the nursery following an earlier Community Chest award. They saw how persistent mud and waterlogging were preventing children from making full use of the outside area and began exploring a longer term solution.

Around 80 per cent of the children and families using the nursery are our customers, with many accessing government funded childcare places.

What began as a small improvement project grew into a major collaborative effort involving our colleagues, our Property Care teams, volunteers, community organisations and local suppliers.

Organisations including Travis Perkins, Wilkes Scaffolding, Wickes and Tesco donated materials, expertise and labour to support the transformation. The project was funded by Rexel.

Further creative support was provided by Worcester Paint Festival, while alternative education provider N-Hance designed and supplied bespoke planters for the nursery.

Together, the two phases have created a safer, more welcoming and practical environment where children can enjoy outdoor learning and play throughout the year.

Chris Pinson-Bradley, our Community Engagement Manager said: "When we completed the first phase in May, we knew we wanted to return and add a canopy so that the children could enjoy the space in more weathers. It is wonderful to see that commitment fulfilled and to hear how delighted the children and staff are with the result.

"I would particularly like to thank the three operatives who volunteered their time and completed the work in just five days, despite the weather doing its best to make the job more difficult.

"The real strength of Communities Connected is that it brings people together to create practical improvements with a lasting impact. This project shows what can be achieved when colleagues, partners, volunteers and local organisations unite around a shared purpose.

"The Lighthouse Family Centre now has an outdoor space that children can enjoy for years to come, and everyone involved should feel incredibly proud of the part they have played."

Helen Schoolar, Head of Social Housing at Rexel UK said: "We were delighted to support this worthwhile project and help create a safer, more accessible outdoor environment for local children. It's inspiring to see how collaboration between organisations can deliver lasting benefits for the community."

Communities Connected encourages our colleagues and partners to work together on practical projects that strengthen communities and improve neighbourhoods across the Midlands.

Photo caption : The newly installed canopy over the transformed outdoor play area at the Lighthouse Family Centre in Worcester, l to r, Danny Drew, Groundsworker, Platform Property Care; Keith Tyler, Carpenter, Platform Property Care; Glyn Howard, Voids Inspector, Platform Property Care; Maxine Breen, National Business Development Manager (Social Housing), Rexel UK; Clare Dalton, Director and Managing Director, Lighthouse Family Centre and Andy Faulkner, Localities Operations Manager, Platform Property Care.