Thieves broke into a Cambridgeshire school farm overnight on Sunday and stole £1,500 worth of tools and equipment.
The theft left students and staff at The Centre School, Cottenham, devastated.
“Fortunately, the animals were not hurt, however the school could not afford to replace the expensive equipment their students use to work on the farm,” said a school spokesperson.
But it was then the community rallied to their cause.
“In just 24 hours, the school community came together to raise over £2,000 to replace the essential equipment,” said the spokesperson.
“It has enabled the students to continue their efforts on the farm and keep their animals thriving there.”
Since September 2021, staff and students at The Centre School have worked hard to transform land that had fallen into disrepair back into a working farm.
“The farm is much-loved by the students, creating an environment for them to build relationships and learn about teamwork and responsibility,” said the spokesperson.
In the last year, students have fixed the stable roof, raised fences, maintained hedges, and developed a small irrigation system to maintain plants.
The school has also welcomed some animals to the farm, with students looking after twelve rescue ex-battery hens who are laying eggs.
The students sell the eggs to the staff to raise money for chicken feed and the upkeep of the animals.
The students also take care of two ponies, called Doris and Lottie.
Principal Sue Raven said: “We have been very moved by the support from our parents, carers, and friends.
“We can’t believe how generous our community has been in helping us get the farm back up and running.
“Our farm is central to life for our students here.
“This aspect of school life truly supports our students’ social, emotional, and mental wellbeing. It has been a huge success and had such a positive effect on both our students and staff.
“We were all devastated to find our equipment was gone.”
She added: “But thanks to our wonderful community, our staff and students can get back to what they love about maintaining the farm and looking after the animals, whilst gaining all the skills and resilience that come with that.”
If you wish to donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/thecentreschool
The Centre is a social, emotional, and mental health special school and part of Astrea Academy Trust and has just over 100 students.
The school opened in January 2009 and operates a “creative curriculum that offers a balance of learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom”.
A range of accreditation is used at both key stages in order to ensure that life chances are enhanced for all students.
Progression, either within its own 6th form, or with other providers, is a priority for the school.
