Retailer Wickes donates new kitchen classroom for children at Deanshanger Primary School

The school’s reception teacher Kelly Jacobs approached the home improvement retailer to support them with a new kitchen which includes a low-level preparation area for the children.

Their brand new kitchen was officially opened by the local Mayor this Easter and the children made hot cross buns and cakes to celebrate.

At the opening, Stephen Hibbert, Mayor of Northampton said: “This is a really good idea, having a kitchen in a school so the children can learn new skills, and a huge well done to Wickes for supporting it.”

Mrs Rice, Headteacher at Deanshanger Primary, said: “There’s an African proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, with the support from Wickes we've been able to engage with our local community to develop a new kitchen and learning area for our children. A huge thank you to Ryaan and Steve our caretakers for installing it.”

At the opening event Zoe Watson, reception teacher expanded on this saying: “This new space is transformational and will enhance their learning in so many ways. Following a recipe helps children read for a purpose and follow instructions; Cooking is very sensory and develops an awareness of their senses and experience as they prepare and taste new foods; Mixing, stirring and chopping improves their motor development; Weighing measuring and comparing will support mathematical development but most exciting of all it will provide children with a great sense of accomplishment.”

Scott Coleman, Design Consultant at Wickes said: ”This was an interesting project to work on and the first time I’ve designed a kitchen to include a low-level workspace. I’d never really thought of the kitchen as a learning space before, clearly, the children are getting a lot of benefit and enjoyment from it.”

The Wickes Community Programme is open to all local community groups seeking help for improvement projects. Find out more by going to www.wickes.co.uk/community-programme or pop into your local Wickes store