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FORMER TEACHERS LEND A HAND TO CHILDREN’S GROUPS

Former teachers have come up with a way to help schools and groups save money, while still getting hold of the latest play equipment.  

They have set up an organisation called The Learning Chest which provides, crates of costumes, games and books which schools can hire rather than buy.

It was set up by a group of former teachers because they realised how tough it was for some schools and groups to buy the kits needed for every occasion.
When the non-profit organisation needed storage space they contacted Luke Dunnett, Go Wansbeck’s commercial premises co-ordinator. With his help The Learning Chest moved into a unit in Ferguson’s Industrial Estate at West Sleekburn, Bedlington.

Luke helps companies grow or relocate their businesses in the Wansbeck area. He found The Learning Chest a unit that was the right size and cost for their needs.

Christine Bryars, a retired deputy head teacher, is the manager of The Learning Chest, she said: “We discussed setting something up in 2007. We are all from a teaching background and know how hard it is for smaller schools and groups to afford new equipment and have space to store it.
“We needed to make sure we had somewhere for storage to make it work. We were given Luke’s details and once we spoke to him everything fell into place. He gave us an idea of the type of places available and how much they would cost.  We’ve had the unit for three months now and it is working out brilliantly.”             

Luke Dunnett said: “It‘s nice to find someone the premises they want. Businesses are relocating into Wansbeck all of the time and it’s not hard to see why.

“There are first class properties here with lower costs than Tyneside and great transport links.”

For more information on the commercial premises scheme visit www.gowansbeck.co.uk or contact Luke directly on 01670 842882 or luke.dunnett@necc.co.uk.

For information on The Learning Chest visit www.thelearningchest.co.uk or contact Christine on 07508 127531 or thelearningchest@hotmail.co.uk.

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