STUDENTS, staff, parents and members of the local community have joined forces to redevelop different areas of a Stourport school environment - which started with a Groundforce Day.

In collaboration with the Severn Academies Educational Trust, the day saw students and staff from Baxter College and Stourport High School supporting St Bartholomew's Primary School in transforming outdoor areas around the school.

At the front of the school, friends, parents and students worked tirelessly to improve the flower beds and raised beds, while senior students from the trust's two secondary schools, alongside several parents, worked on the extensive allotment area at the back of the school.

Preparing the grounds is the start of an exciting journey for St Bartholomew's, with plans in place for students to grow fruit and vegetables and set up a community shop in 2018.

Sue Helps, St Bartholomew's headteacher, said: "At St Bartholomew's we believe in delivering a creative curriculum which builds children's social and emotional resilience and recognises the importance of positive relationships with parents, families and teachers.

"We have invested in an innovative approach called 'Thrive', which ensures that each and every one of 'our' children really do thrive.

"My dedicated and talented staff have devised an exciting schedule for the coming months to enhance the learning of our students and we fully appreciate the support from our partner schools within the trust."

Ian James, director of performance and partnerships for the Severn Academies Trust, added: "We have recently submitted a grant bid to the Gregg's Foundation for financial support for the project and have been overwhelmed with the amount of advice and support we have received from friends and family in a short space of time.

"Our aim is to involve as many students, parents and friends of the school not only to improve the school environment but, importantly, to support children's social and emotional development.

"This project will enable students to develop their scientific knowledge, improve literacy, numeracy and oracy but also build confidence, self-esteem and responsibility as part of a team.