Community teamwork transforms Ashgate Specialist Support Primary School’s car park
In a heart-warming display of community spirit, we successfully teamed up with the Casey Group, one of our trusted contractors, to resurface the car park at Ashgate Specialist Support Primary School.
During October half term last year, Casey resurfaced the car park and massively improved the space. The school, the only dedicated specialist primary in Wythenshawe, had been struggling with a car park in need of repair for some time.
When the school initially sought quotes for the resurfacing work, they were shocked to receive estimates as high as £28,000. This was a daunting figure for them as they operate on a tight budget. Recognising the importance for a working car park, our Community Development team stepped in to negotiate on behalf of the school.
Shannon Fitzgerald, Lead Community Development Coordinator, said: “I felt it was important for me to step in and help negotiate this deal because I understood how crucial this car park is for the safe and reliable transport of the children who attend.
“Knowing that we could help the school avoid financial strain was a wonderful feeling, and I'm so grateful to Casey for everything they have done.”
After the team arranged a visit to the school to show Casey the scope of the work, Casey generously offered to complete the job for a much more affordable sum of £7,000. Here, they were able to reduce the cost significantly with support from their social value budget.
John Walmsley, Social Impact Executive for the Casey Group, shared: "We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to support on this. At Casey, our purpose is Improving Lives, and this project epitomises our commitment to creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve. The work, uniquely funded through our Improving Lives Fund, enhances accessibility for pupils, parents, and staff, ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for the school community. It has been a privilege to work with such a fantastic school, and we look forward to continuing to support local initiatives that make a real difference."
The car park is an important part of the school, used daily by multiple adapted vehicles and minibuses to transport children to and from the school. Without this essential transport, many children would face huge challenges in accessing the specialised education and support they need.
Diane Wolstenholme, Headteacher at Ashgate Specialist Support Primary School, said: “We are immensely grateful to Shannon, WCHG and the Casey Group for the new car park surface; it has significantly improved the safety and accessibility of our school, which is so important for us. We could not have had this work completed without their help. A massive thank you from all the children, families and staff.”
This project is a shining example of what can be achieved when the community comes together to support its members. The newly resurfaced car park will make a huge difference in the daily lives of the children and staff at Ashgate Specialist Support Primary School, ensuring safe and reliable access to the education and support services they rely on.
This is just one of the crucial improvements the school is making to support the children in their care. They have big plans for redeveloping key areas, including a new play area and a refurbished soft playroom.
If you'd like to get involved in supporting the school, you can contact Ashgate Charitable Trust here: admin@ashgatecomtrust.co.uk
