All the fun of the online fair at virtual Christmas fundraiser for Higham Ferrers outdoor classroom

A Higham Ferrers school has launched a fundraising campaign to replace much-loved outdoor classroom space that has become unsafe to use.

Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infant School's playground gazebo had been used more than ever during the pandemic as an outdoor learning space.

Routine maintenance earlier this year revealed that some timber footings had rotted beyond repair and now the Friends of Higham Ferrers Nursery and Infants School (HFNIS) has launched a campaign to replace the structure.

Jude Norris, from HFNIS, said: "In the past the Friends have worked alongside school staff and parents to create large events such as our Christmas and summer fayres to raise money to support the school.

"Last year, among other things the children filled coin jars, danced their socks off at school discos and joined the Rushden Round Table Santa Claus float to collect donations.

"Sadly, those events are not an option this year and we will find it difficult to raise the sum of money required to replace the structure."

To fundraise for the replacement gazebo, the group will turn online with a virtual Christmas fayre supported by parents and featuring local businesses.

The Friends have also organised mufti days and are selling Christmas cards to boost the total.

Jude added: "Even with this wonderful support in place, we are going to struggle to raise the cost of the new gazebo/sunshade.

"This is extremely disappointing as we know how much our own children enjoy using the outside space, particularly this year.

"The opportunities for outdoor learning in the current climate are so important for all of our children.

"We hope to raise £4,000 to replace the gazebo with our hearts set on it being used for future fairs, events and activities.

"All of the volunteers see how hard the school staff work to create a safe, happy, stimulating environment for their children to learn in and they want to support the school to continue this work.

Headteacher Linda Ward said: "Sadly our sunshade/gazebo/outdoor classroom has reached the end of its life.

"It would be really sad if we were unable to replace this. We have had this in our playground for a long time and use it regularly as an outdoor learning space.

"It was going to be a big feature of our outdoor Christmas celebrations. Without our large summer and Christmas fayres our Friends' coffers are low."

The HFNIS Virtual Christmas Fayre goes live on Facebook on Friday, November 27, on a shop local theme with more than 30 local businesses already lined up.

To donate via the Just Giving site click here.