A SHINFIELD primary school has unveiled a new community litter picking station, which anyone will be able to use to help keep its surrounding area tidy.
Students at Alder Grove School, headteacher Philip Theobald and members of the parent/carer staff association opened the facility at a lunchtime ceremony.
Although set up by the school, the idea was inspired by the pupils themselves, with a group of Year 1 and 2 students taking it upon themselves to carry out litter picks in their own time.
Mr Theobald explained: “I’ve been really inspired by our children over this last year. We’ve had this group who have, in their free time, looked after our community through litter picking.
“To be able to unveil this new community litter picking station was a big thing for us. It was really important that these children knew that this idea came from something they had done, nothing we had asked them to do. It was something they wanted to do themselves.
“As a school, it’s really part of our vision, to be at the heart of this community. We want our children to be inspired by the things that we do as a school.”
Anyone who wishes to help out can take a litter picker and bag, fill it up, and empty it at the adjoined bin when returning the equipment.
The station was provided by anti-pollution charity The 2 Minute Foundation, whose #2MinuteLitterPick campaign encourages individuals and groups to protect and nurture their local environment.
With all litter eventually leading to the ocean, the charity stresses the importance of inland picking.
According to Mr Theobald, initiatives like this provide a platform for Alder Grove students to develop as young members of society, a key part of the school’s ethos.
“As a school, it’s not just about maths and English for us,” he explained. “As much as the academic side of things is important, helping children to become well-rounded citizens is essential.
“It’s crucial for them to learn that their actions can make a difference and that the choices that they make can inspire and have an impact.”
Alder Grove opened in September 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic. But despite being a relatively new addition to Shinfield, it has already gone a long way to integrate itself into its community.
Laura Dean, chair of the PCSA, said: “It’s a great opportunity for our children to see what they are giving back to the community.
“We’re a new school, we’ve been open for three years, and with lots of families moving to the area, this is something we can do to give back.”
She added that the first two students who took part in the litter picks did so as part of the PCSA’s 2022 challenge: to raise £20.22 by completing household chores or exercise-related activities. The pair raised around £600.
To find out more, visit: www.2minute.org
