Tesco saves school thousands in construction costs, thanks to community support

Community-conscious colleagues at New Oscott Tesco Extra came to the rescue of Langley Primary School in Sutton Coldfield – saving the educational establishment thousands of pounds. 

The school was faced with a tough decision when it was quoted more than £4,000 to dismantle two outdated sensory rooms.

But in a single day, the volunteers dismantled the sensory rooms, stripped the library in preparation for painting, undercoated the assembly hall, painted over an outdated mural in the upstairs corridor, and even removed a rock-climbing apparatus from the playground.

Books removed from the space found a second life in Uganda to help children further their education.

The initiative provides 130 pupils with a fresh new Sensory and Soft Playroom, which provides the children with the support they require to reach their full potential.

Thanks to the support from New Oscott Tesco Extra, Tesco Maintenance, Tesco Aston Lane, and community volunteers from Boldmere Festivals and Wylde Green Rotary Club, the school was able to put the funds it saved towards other essential needs.

Toni McCarroll, Headteacher at Langley School, said: “On behalf of Langley School, we’re incredibly thankful for the support we received from the team at Tesco and everyone involved. It has truly impacted our school — not just for the year but for many years to come.

“Their hard work has allowed us to invest the money we’ve saved into further enriching our pupils by purchasing additional sensory equipment, which is vital for their development and wellbeing.

“Linda Kelly, Community Champion at Tesco New Oscott,  is a valued supporter of our school and truly stepped up to the challenge — providing the much-needed ‘people power’ to swiftly get the work done.

“Without everyone’s support, it would have been a significant challenge for me and our site manager to achieve the same result in such a short time frame.”

Linda Kelly added: “At Tesco, we’re proud to be able to give back to our communities and support initiatives that genuinely make a difference.

“Seeing the meaningful impact our efforts have had on the staff and children at Langley School has been hugely rewarding. It’s wonderful to know that just giving up a little of our time has helped create a space where pupils can develop, thrive, and succeed in a way that suits them. Every child deserves a space that nurtures their growth, and we’re grateful to have been able to help make that a reality.

“We understand that many schools are facing financial challenges, and supporting the staff at Langley School has been a true pleasure. Hopefully, in the future, we can continue to support the pupils and the surrounding community.”