School Project Fund Spotlight: St Thomas Primary School

The Exeter Consortium School Project Fund is a small grants initiative that helps partner schools make a real difference in their communities. Schools can apply for grants of up to £100 to support creative projects, wellbeing initiatives, outdoor learning, or other activities that benefit pupils and the wider school community.

St Thomas Primary School is a great example of this in action.

When the school applied for funding, they set out a clear vision to further enhance their OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) provision. As an OPAL Platinum School, they wanted to introduce a large sandpit to enrich playtimes with more opportunities for creativity, collaboration and sensory play.

With £100 awarded through the fund, the school was able to bring this idea to life. The sandpit has now been successfully installed within a covered play shed, ensuring durability and protection, and is already proving to be a valuable addition to the playground.

The impact has been immediate. Pupils are enjoying a new, engaging play space that encourages imagination, teamwork and exploration. The sensory experience of sand play is supporting both creativity and wellbeing, while also creating more opportunities for social interaction across the school.

As Kathy Skinner, Deputy Headteacher, shared:

“The children are really enjoying having an additional play activity and space in the playground. It’s wonderful to see their creativity, as well as them having the opportunity for the sensory feel of sand.”

This project highlights how a simple idea, supported by a small grant, can create lasting improvements to play and learning for all pupils.

Find out how to apply
Details about future School Project Fund rounds are shared in the Exeter Consortium monthly newsletter. Subscribe here to stay informed.