Harworth pupils explore housebuilding with Harron Homes

Organised by the Harworth Group, which is leading the wider regeneration of the Simpson Park site, the visit allowed pupils to explore different aspects of creating a new community, through activities hosted by Harron Homes and Vistry Homes.

At Harron Homes’ Simpson Park development, the children took part in a health and safety session led by site manager Scott Henderson.

They were introduced to measures used to protect workers and visitors on a construction site, while explaining why active building sites must never be treated as playgrounds.

A specially designed treasure hunt then took place in one of Harron’s showhomes, led by senior marketing executive Eva Poynor and marketing assistant Olivia Marlow.

As they searched for clues around the property, the children learned more about the different rooms, features and finishing touches involved in turning a newly built property into a home.

Scott Henderson, Harron Homes’ site manager at Simpson Park, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils to Simpson Park and introduce them to some of the ways we keep people safe throughout the construction process.

“Health and safety affects every part of building a new home, and the children were really engaged throughout the session.

"Visits like this are a valuable opportunity to help young people understand what happens on a construction site and why it is so important to remain outside the boundaries of an active development.”

Matt Barker, regional managing director at Harron Homes North Midlands, added: “The treasure hunt gave the pupils a fun way to explore the showhome while learning more about the care and attention that goes into preparing a new property for its future residents.

“They brought plenty of energy and curiosity to the activity, and we hope the visit helped them see how many different skills and careers contribute to creating a new community.”

Mary Jenkinson, headteacher at St. Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Harworth, said, “The children had a brilliant time exploring Simpson Park and learning about everything that goes into building a new home.

"The health and safety session gave them an important understanding of how construction sites operate, while the treasure hunt made the visit fun and memorable.

"Opportunities like this bring classroom learning to life and introduce pupils to careers and skills they may not otherwise encounter.”

Joshua Johnson, communities and placemaking coordinator at Harworth, said, “We were delighted to welcome St Patrick’s Primary School to Simpson Park.

"Working alongside Harron Homes and Vistry Homes, we gave pupils a first hand look at how new communities are built.”