Thursday 14th July 2011

Last chance to vote for Local school, Grassmoor Primary where the Pupils and staff eagerly await results after their school was chosen as a finalist in a national competition to win a much-needed new school playground.

Grassmoor Primary School has beaten off competition from over 1,200 other entrants to be chosen as one of only six finalists in the competition.

Other finalists running for first prize include Bordesley Green Primary School in Birmingham, Le Cateau Community Primary School in Catterick Garrison, Murrayburn Primary School in Edinburgh, Roman Hill Primary School in Lowestoft and St Gabriel’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Rochdale.

It is now up to the public to decide our local Primary School should win the competition. Individuals are being encouraged to vote for their favourite school via Ronseal's Facebook page. Five runners up will win a Timberline story-tellers chair and Woodland Trust tree packs to help spruce up their outdoor spaces. 


The playground at Grassmoor primary which is in dire need of a makeover.

Jessica Otter from Grassmoor Primary School, commented: "All of our staff, parents and pupils are absolutely over the moon to have been shortlisted. We're all keeping our fingers firmly crossed as winning a £30k playground makeover will provide a massive boost to the school and much-needed play facilities for the children."

Launched in March this year by leading woodcare manufacturer Ronseal and playground equipment specialists Timberline, the Playground Project was established to offer schools struggling with budget cuts the chance to win a fun and inspiring playground worth up to £30,000 for their pupils.

It came as research released at the time revealed that, as a result of the government's austerity measures, almost half (41 per cent) of school outdoor play facilities had become outdated and were insufficient for the number of children who use them.

The research also highlighted parents concerns towards the funding cuts with 93 per cent of parents fearing facilities would only worsen as authorities and councils squeeze budgets even further.

Kate Hodge, Brand Manager at Ronseal, said: "We want to offer our congratulations to Grassmoor Primary School for making it into the final round of our Playground Project competition. We wish them the best of luck and encourage the local community to step forward and make their vote!"

Timberline founder, Simon Fearnehough said: "From the vast number of entries we received in the competition we can see that school playgrounds are really suffering as a result of the government's budget cuts.  Each of the finalists on our shortlist are worthy winners but now it is up to the public to decide who they think should win one of our playgrounds."

To vote for Grassmoor Primary School or any of the other finalists visit Ronseal UK on Facebook.

Simply "like" the picture of the playground you most want to receive a make-over before midnight GMT on 15th July.

Remember you will have to "like" Ronseal UK before you can "like" the pictures.

The winner will be announced on 18th July 2011 on www.ronsealplayground.co.uk

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