Children from Plover School, part of XP Trust, have helped bring colour, pride and community spirit to Doncaster Royal Infirmary as construction continues on the hospital’s new Department of Critical Care.
As part of a community art project, pupils were invited by Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals (DBTH) to design artwork for the long stretch of hoardings surrounding the building site – a space passed daily by staff, patients and families. The challenge was simple but meaningful: create something that would lift spirits and bring positivity to those visiting or working at the hospital.
Pupils from Plover and Town Field Primary School submitted the winning designs – the piece from Plover was created by Lena in Year 5. Her vibrant and hopeful artwork now appears proudly at the South Block entrance, offering a warm welcome to visitors and hospital staff.
To celebrate the achievement, Lena and her classmates visited the hospital for the official unveiling. They received certificates and met members of DBTH’s Capital Planning Team and partners at VINCI Building, who thanked the children for the impact their creativity will have on the space. For our pupils, seeing their artwork displayed publicly was a powerful moment of pride and purpose – an authentic audience that sits at the heart of XP learning.
Making a difference close to home
This collaboration reflects what XP Trust believes learning should be: purposeful, beautiful and rooted in community contribution. Projects like this help children understand that their ideas and their work can make a genuine difference to the world around them.
Headteacher quote – Jayne Ogle
“At XP we teach our children that beautiful work isn’t just about creativity – it’s about compassion. Lena’s artwork will brighten the day for patients, staff and families at DRI, and we are incredibly proud of the way our pupils use their learning to serve their community. This project shows them that what they do matters, now and in the future.”
About the opportunity
The new Department of Critical Care is currently being built at Doncaster Royal Infirmary, and while the construction continues, XP pupils are helping to bring colour and hope to the area through their artwork.
