Cliff Lane Primary School in Ipswich opens community pantry

Cliff Lane Primary School said the initiative has been in the making for a few months now after seeing a growing number of families struggle financially and need additional support from food banks and top up shops.

The pantry officially opened Monday and is supporting those who need it.

It includes a supply of consumables and household products as well as pre-loved school uniforms which are available to anyone from the school community to take when they need them.

Part of the pantry (Image: Cliff Lane Primary School)

Carrie Broom, the school's headteacher, said: "We want to ensure that our children and families have everything they need and don’t have to worry.

"We are so grateful for all the donations we have already received and hope the pantry is a huge success.

Headteacher Carrie Broom with deputy head Chelsey King (Image: Broomfilms)

"I must also say a special thank you to Claire Pearson, a dedicated member of our staff, who has worked for months getting this ready and seeking out donations."

The pantry will be open every morning during school drop off and at the end of the school day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The school has two donation boxes for anyone who wishes to donate items or funds - one in the school office and one in the pantry.

Uniforms can also be picked up from the pantry (Image: Cliff Lane Primary School)

The pantry has now opened and is stocked full after donations from families from Cliff Lane, school staff and local shops and businesses.

Among items available include sauces, pasta, rice, noodles, washing powder and tinned foods.

In March this year, the school was rated Good by Ofsted for the first time, with inspectors noting that the school worked closely with families.

Items that can be picked up from the pantry (Image: Cliff Lane Primary School)