New BMX Bikes = Big Smiles at Marland Secondary School
DevonBENEFICIARY: Marland Secondary School (Roundswell), Barnstaple
OPENING DATE: 26/02/26
GRANT AMOUNT: £8,840.00
GRANT DELIVERED: New storage shed, 9 BMX Bikes and essential bike equipment
Marland School is a successful Devon Local Authority maintained Foundation Trust dual site day and residential special school for Year 4 – Year 11 students with SEMH. The school provides a highly structured, caring environment where every child is understood, encouraged and supported to achieve and thrive.
A brand-new storage shed, and a fleet of nine BMX bikes and equipment has been unveiled following a £8,840 funding boost! which will support around 42 children. The facility was proudly opened on 26 February 2026 by Roger Haywood (Chair of Devon Wooden Spoons) and accompanied by Devon Committee member David Fowler and Devon members and supporters Kim Fowler and Linda Puryer. This new facility provides the children with fresh opportunities to ride, play, build social skills, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor activity in a structured and supportive environment. The addition of the bikes and secure storage not only enhances daily school life but also reflects a shared commitment to creating spaces where young people can thrive, grow in confidence, and experience the joy of active play.
As Wooden Spoon representatives, it was evident the moment we walked into the school that the headmaster and teachers are truly passionate about the boys in their care. Their dedication goes far beyond simply delivering lessons, they are deeply committed to understanding each child’s individual needs and helping them grow both academically and personally. The staff create an environment where learning is engaging, supportive, and tailored, while also making sure the boys experience joy and fun in their daily activities. It is evident that they genuinely care, and their enthusiasm and commitment make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students.
Quote from Head Teacher ‘Matt Walder’ at Marland Secondary School.
“We were pleased to welcome representatives from the Wooden Spoon Charity in February to visit our school and find out how the project they funded will impact our pupils. I enjoyed talking with them about our school ethos, it’s place in the community and the varied support structures we have in place to provide our pupils with the best possible outcomes. One of those support structures involves access to sporting opportunities. The money from Wooden Spoon enabled us to purchase new BMX bikes to replace our old stock, which, after 10 years of service were now unfit for purpose. They also funded a new storage shed, which is essential to maintain and keep the bikes in excellent condition for years to come.
The positive impact these bikes will have on our pupils cannot be underestimated; from helping the pupils to burn off energy, learn important skills, fine tune balance and coordination, regulate emotions, increase health outcomes and share a positive activity with other pupils.
We used all local suppliers for the storage facility and the bikes, and couldn’t be happier. I’d like to extend a special thank you to Bike Shed Barnstaple for the fantastic deal they did for us on the bikes.
We are extremely grateful to Wooden Spoon for providing us with the funding and for supporting the school through the application process. The bikes have been used every day and the grinning pupils confirm that they are a hit!”
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