VOLUNTEERS from charity Rapid Relief Team (RRT) have delivered an Early Bird Learning kit to a Finchampstead school.
The kit, donated by local RRT volunteers to Gorse Ride Infant School, contained 300 breakfast bars for youngsters arriving late, 30 activity workbooks to help children with reading, writing, basic maths, motor skills and shape recognition, and a classroom Cookie the Kookaburra mascot.
Nick Haughton, local RRT team leader, said: “It was fantastic to have been able to deliver this Early Bird Learning Kit to Gorse Ride School.
“We’ve been pleased to see the positive impact it has had on the lives of many, and we’re proud to be able to continue this in Southeast England by providing support to Gorse Ride School and helping to combat the challenge of children coming to school hungry.
The Early Bird Learning Programme was launched in 2021 by the RRT charity with the aim of assisting infant and primary school-aged children in difficult circumstances and challenging households.
It seeks to provide a meaningful resource to support healthy eating and physical and mental wellbeing.
Working with schools across the UK, it has seen those engaged in the charities’ programme receive a Cookie the Kookaburra mascot, and other resources including worksheets, which the pupils can take home to encourage them to eat a healthy breakfast of ‘brain food’ such as porridge, slow burning carbs and fruit, healthy eating Smarrt Cookie Bars, and an educational video available to all schools operating a breakfast club.
The RRT said it was delighted to team up with Gorse Ride School to support teachers, and help ease worries for families during the holiday season.
“In particular, the winter period can be a challenging time for many families,” said Mr Haughton.
“The past year has been no exception due to cost of living pressures on many families.
“Our kit provides hundreds of nutrition bars, workbooks, and a supportive mascot, which we hope will make all the difference to those struggling during the winter season.
“Together with volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and the RRT, we are committed to supporting our local communities.
“This is a way in which we can make a positive difference to the lives of children and families in need within Southeast England.”
The Rapid Relief Team is made up volunteers from the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church and is dedicated to putting compassion into action. The charity offers practical support to charities, emergency services and other organisations supporting those in need across the South of England, UK, and internationally.
For information, visit: rrtglobal.org and gorserideschools.co.uk
