The Woodsmith Foundation and Anglo American recently joined forces to support two primary schools located near the Woodsmith mine site just south of Whitby.

Damage caused by flooding at Fylingdales Primary School led to 55 pupils having to squeeze into their neighbouring school at Hawsker-cum-Stainsacre due to significant damage to their classrooms and resources.

A joint donation of almost £15,000 from the Woodsmith Foundation and Anglo American helped the schools purchase much-needed technology and new books for their library.

Helen Thompson, Executive Headteacher of the Heritage Foundation, said: “This funding has made a significant difference to us. It was used to fund a new interactive white board in a classroom that pupils wouldn’t have previously had access to, which has really improved their learning experience.

“We were also able to purchase iPads and a charging trolley and replace some books that were damaged by the flooding. This has really helped us promote that love of learning and reading, which is something that is incredibly important to us.

“We’re incredibly grateful that the Woodsmith Foundation and Anglo American are supporting local schools and local children, who at the end of the day are the future employees of their business.”

Woodsmith Foundation Chief Executive Leah Swain added: “It was horrible seeing all the children squashed into tiny spaces, trying to learn, trying to focus, when there was nowhere to eat their lunch and nowhere to break out and play.

“It felt really important for the Woodsmith Foundation and Anglo American to work together and provide equipment that allowed teaching to continue in the limited space available.”

Matt Parsons, General Manager External Affairs at Anglo American Crop Nutrients, said: “We’re keen to take a positive role in our local communities and support our neighbours wherever possible, so it felt important to step in and support Fylingdales and Hawsker primary schools when they really needed it.

“We are committed to helping equip local youngsters with what they need to achieve their ambition.”

The Foundation has supported community projects in Redcar and Cleveland Borough, Scarborough Borough and the North York Moors National Park to the tune of over £1.5million since 2017.

Anglo American pledged a £4m funding package when it bought the mine in March 2020. Longer term, it will be funded by percentage of mine revenue, which is expected to amount to several million pounds per year.