March 2026
Pupils from Winmarleigh Church of England Primary School were given a unique insight into the world of housebuilding during an educational visit to our Stonebrook Meadows development in Garstang, Preston.
The recent visit supported the school’s Key Stage 2 curriculum, where pupils are currently learning about settlements, land use, natural resources, and how geographical knowledge is applied in real-world careers. With ongoing development in the local area, the trip provided a valuable opportunity for children to see these concepts brought to life.
The Year 1/2 class enjoyed an interactive session led by Darren Lister, Assistant Site Manager at Elmbrook Park. The children learned about the hazards of building sites, the different jobs involved in housebuilding, and why it’s important to stay away from live construction areas.
During their visit to Stonebrook Meadows, pupils heard from Story Homes’ Land and Planning team, who explained how potential development sites are selected and the key factors that must be considered, including environmental impact, infrastructure, and community needs.
The children also met with the Site Project Manager, who provided each pupil with personal protective equipment (PPE) before guiding them safely around the development. The group toured two homes at different stages of construction – one at ‘first fix’ stage and another that had recently been plastered – giving them a clear understanding of the build process. The visit concluded with a tour of a completed show home, allowing pupils to experience the full journey from planning through to finished product.
Each pupil received a goody bag to take home, helping to reinforce the day’s learning and providing a memorable end to the visit.
David Rimmer, Production Director for the North West at Story Homes, said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome the pupils from Winmarleigh Church of England Primary School to Stonebrook Meadows. It’s incredibly important for us to engage with young people in our communities and show them how subjects like geography play a vital role in what we do every day. Seeing the different stages of construction first-hand really helps bring their classroom learning to life.”
Sarah Shaw, Key Stage 2 teacher at Winmarleigh Church of England Primary School, commented:
“This visit has been a fantastic experience for our pupils. It’s given them a real understanding of how geography is used beyond the classroom, particularly within the construction and housing sector. The opportunity to explore a live development and hear from industry professionals has been invaluable, and it’s something they’ll remember for a long time. We’re very grateful to Story Homes for providing such an engaging and informative experience.”
Stonebrook Meadows is a thoughtfully designed development of 133 high-quality homes in Garstang. Featuring a range of three, four and six-bedroom properties, alongside spacious layouts and a welcoming community setting, it offers an ideal environment for modern family living.
