Learning through play is now even easier for one Medway primary school, thanks to an education small grant from the Rochester Bridge Trust.

The Pilgrim School in Borstal received a grant of £478 to buy equipment and costumes for use in their construction playground. The items included bridge building kit, construction blocks, hard hats and high visibility personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety signage.

Headteacher Mrs Mepsted said: “We are grateful to the Rochester Bridge Trust for this donation, which encourages the children to think about the challenges of construction while they play. The safety equipment also helps to emphasise the importance of looking after themselves and each other – important lessons to learn from a young age.”

Russell Cooper, Junior Warden at the Rochester Bridge Trust, and education mascot Langdon the Lion carried out the official opening, cutting the ribbon surrounded by children from the school’s Construction Playground Supervisors group.

Afterwards, Langdon the Lion had fun building bridges with the children. He said: “I was pleased to get my paws on the new kit and work with the youngsters to begin their civil engineering education. They came up with some great ideas for how to create strong and stable structures and I’m sure they will make excellent bridge builders in the future. Perhaps some of them could even come and help me as I look after Rochester Bridge!”

The kit was provided as part of the Rochester Bridge Trust’s small education grant scheme which provides up to £500 towards activities to support engineering and/or agriculture education as part of its commitment to encourage young people to consider these subjects as careers.  Visit www.rochesterbridgetrust.org.uk/learning-activities/grants/ for more information.