A CALL to the community and local businesses to help spruce up a Brentwood school has seen a surge of response.
With a limited budget for redecoration but a wish to provide all pupils with bright fresh classrooms, when they return to school in September, head of Shenfield High School Carole Herman put out an appeal to the public.
"We may not look like Hogwarts, but Shenfield can create its own magic." she has declared to members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Shenfield Environmental Partnership and the school's own PTA.
Armed with paintbrushes rather than wands, a team of volunteers have stepped forward ready to head into the classrooms this summer holiday.
Mrs Herman said: "Since we have become an academy we have attracted a degree of funding that has allowed us to make several improvements but our resources are finite and there is still a long way to go before we will be satisfied that the quality of our learning environment is the best it can be.
"We would like to accelerate our progress so we have launched the 'adopt a room' campaign asking people to donate their time, goods or money to help overhaul the school.
"We have had an amazing amount of interest, and have now got eight different offers of time or money, which is wonderful."
Mrs Herman said the volunteers will be in school this summer alongside paid contractors. Work is already underway on building an extension to provide further sixth form study space and an additional drama studio.
Other cash from Government grants and the school's own coffers is being spent on improved security, creating a dedicated social and dining space for GCSE students, and re-surfacing the car park accessed from Oliver Road.
Among those who have pledged to help is Nicky Eaton, aunt of pupil Alby Robinson, who was severely disabled as a result of a car accident when he was 11. Now 18, he has taken GCSEs and BTECs at the school on Chelmsford Road.
Nicky has recruited her sisters, brothers-in-law and parents to help transform room C8 where pupils with special needs spend their break and lunch times.
She told the Gazette: "We really wanted to give something back to the school for all the work they have done helping Alby.
"I heard about the appeal and stepped forward asking if we can adopt C8 as it's a room where Alby spent a lot of his time. Alby loves the school – he does not want to leave – so it's lovely that we can help them in some way.
"I think it's a fantastic idea and I really hope more people come forward to give up their time to help the school."
John Newberry, chairman of the Shenfield Environmental Partnership, is also rallying a group of volunteers.
He said: "The 'adopt a room' project is another step forward in bringing students and the community together, which we feel would be of great benefit for all.
"I am building a list of our able bodied members to help physically and those who may be able to help with materials."
The new Peter Jones Academy, part of Havering College, based in Brentwood High Street, has also stepped forward. Tutors have set up a scheme whereby from September their painting and decorating students will come into the school at weekends and holidays to update facilities.
Duane Randall, head of construction at the college, said: "Our painting and decorating students gain enormously from their involvement in various community projects. We are pleased to be able to help our friends at Shenfield High School through their 'adopt a room' scheme.
"The painting and decorating project will help the students complete their work placement hours and the school will benefit from a skillful makeover."
Parent Andrew Worth, told the Gazette that he and fellow members of the school's Parent Teacher Association had agreed to give the school a cash donation for materials and were in discussions as to the amount.
He said: " We are in full support of the campaign and think it is a brilliant idea."
The Ford Motor Company at Dunton has pledged a team of up to 24 employers who will spend two days working hard at whatever tasks need doing.
