Denton school's playground problem solved

Children returning to classroom-based learning at a Denton primary school will be able to enjoy safe outdoor play zones, thanks to help from gas network Cadent. 

Like schools across the country, St Mary’s RC Primary has welcomed back its pupils after a long period of disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kynder Street school will keep its children in 'social bubbles' for the foreseeable future, which then creates a challenge when it comes to its single, large playground.

After being contacted about the dilemma, local gas network Cadent realised it could provide a perfect solution – the barriers and signs it normally uses to surround its work areas.

Cadent’s Marcus Cartmell, Ian Campbell and Gary Haslem helped source, deliver and install barriers, helped by the school’s Headteacher Deidre Reeves and Assistant Headteacher Gemma Moran.

Marcus Cartmell said: “This set up now allows the multiple year group bubbles to enjoy break time outside simultaneously and safely.

"We got a lot of job satisfaction from this – helping a local community and customers overcome a difficult problem with a simple solution.”

Gemma Moran added: “This has made such a difference; we can allow so many more children to play out in the fresh air – something that wouldn’t have been possible without the support from Cadent.”