A CHARITY that helps children from Whitley helped them enjoy a day out at a local wildlife centre.
Aspire2 took more than 250 Year 2 pupils to Beale Park, giving them an opportunity to get back to nature.
Organisers said that the event was, for many children, their first visit to a wildlife park, and their first school trip since covid.
Children gave the day a vote of confidence saying it had been “the best trip ever”, with highlights including the lynx, the otter, a zip wire and train rides.
One primary school headteacher told the charity the youngsters had enjoyed a wonderful day.
“I could not believe for some children it was their first time experiencing a zip wire,” they added.
“It was beautiful seeing the children giggling and building strong relationships with each other as they role played being meerkats.
“Their awe and wonder at the animals was wonderful and I am sure it is an experience they will never forget.
“The fact the children haven’t had a trip out for the last two years means this has had even more impact on them as they realise there are wonderful places close to Reading that they and we can visit.”
Lucy Costello, CEO of Beale Park said: “We are so impressed by the ethos of Aspire2, which enriches the lives of many children in the Reading area.
“We are delighted to have created a partnership where we can open up our facilities to those that need it most.
“Our own charitable trust was set up by Gilbert Beale, who was keen to give back to the local community by creating an amenity that could be enjoyed by the public and wildlife alike. The schools that have visited us have been a pleasure and we are so happy they are benefitting from their wildlife park experience.”
And Helen Bligh, Development Manager at Aspire2, said: “We are so grateful to Beale Park for their extremely generous donation of tickets to all Year 2 pupils in Whitley.
“This has enabled primary schools to offer a completely free trip to their pupils, whose families may not otherwise be able to afford such experiences.
“The impact of this activity will be felt for years to come for these children, in terms of developing life skills such as self-confidence and resilience. It is also the first time many of them have encountered animals such as meerkats, owls, zebras and tapirs.”
