YOUNGSTERS have to raise money for their own school s science week after a lack of support from local businesses. Staff at St John s RC Primary and Nursery School in Providence Way, Baldock, had planned numerous events to take place during their first eve

YOUNGSTERS have to raise money for their own school's science week after a lack of support from local businesses.

Staff at St John's RC Primary and Nursery School in Providence Way, Baldock, had planned numerous events to take place during their first ever science week, beginning June 19.

However the pupils, aged four to 11, are holding a fundraising event today (Thursday) because the school has been unable to get local companies to offer financial support. Only GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to help and will participate in a workshop.

Headteacher Alex Hanou said the school, and especially teacher Hannah Lake, had worked extremely hard to encourage support.

Mrs Hanou said: "Logistically it's a massive thing, organising a small primary school for a science week. It's a tall order as we've got 216 children on roll.

"Within the immediate area there are a number of pharmaceutical firms and we hoped they would respond positively but so far positive response has been slow in coming.

"We're positive about building good relationships and partnerships with local companies and we thought they would be interested.

"Knights Templar is helping our school, and we are very grateful, but we need financial support because we're booking lots of events and expert visitors to enrich the children's learning.

"We want hands-on experiments and investigations, with children taking part outside and inside, children working together. We want to get our children out in the community and with the right support that can happen. Without it they are likely to be inside.

"I don't think it'll be called off if we don't get the support but it would be a very different week."

Anyone interested in helping the school can call 01462 892478 or email admin@ stjohns4.herts.sch.uk