A SCHOOL in Barry had used funding from a council-run catering company to build a new outdoor seating area.

Children at Palmerston Primary School in Cadoxton now have the new outdoor area to enjoy alfresco dining as well as outdoor lessons.

The outdoor area has been named ‘Smart Space', in honour of kitchen manager and cook Tracey Smart and her team, who provide nutritionally balanced meals for all pupils.

Head teacher Sarah Cason said: “This is a fantastic facility that the students can enjoy in the warmer months.

“The outdoor space will enhance wellbeing and enable our teachers to provide outdoor lessons which will improve student-teacher engagement.”

The project was largely funded by the Big Fresh Catering company, with donations from the local community, businesses, and parents to support school and community projects.

The company provides school meals for its partner schools, runs a commercial catering service, and manages a bar and café at Penarth Pier Pavilion.

Its unique business model enables it to function as a commercial entity, with any profits generated from corporate and private businesses reinvested in the schools.

Managing director of the Big Fresh Catering Company, Carole Tyley said: “We are delighted to see the results of the new seating area at the school.

“The funding makes a real difference to schools and community projects, throughout the Vale, and we hope we can continue to support worthwhile projects like this in the future with the help of local businesses and parents. “

The council established Big Fresh as a Local Authority Trading Company in 2020 to provide healthy balanced menus to schools, businesses, and private events across Wales, including to some of the authority's schools.

The Big Fresh Initiative projects are generated from corporate and private businesses and are invested back into the schools.