March 2026

Three primary schools in Stainforth, South Yorkshire, are the proud recipients of new books following donations by the Unity delivery team.

Representatives from Waystone Hargreaves Land were part of a delegation that visited Holy Family, Kirton Lane and Long Toft primary schools on Monday 23rd March.

As well as presenting new books, the team delivered a series of engaging and educational sessions to pupils in Years 5 and 6.

The one-hour sessions introduced students to Unity, the 250-hectare development in Doncaster. As one of the largest regeneration and infrastructure projects of its kind in the UK, Unity is set to deliver a mixed-use development of regional significance, creating new homes, employment opportunities, and community facilities.

Each school session began with an interactive presentation tailored to the pupils, offering them an accessible overview of the Unity development and its long-term impact on the local area. The initiative aimed to help children better understand the changes happening around them and the opportunities potentially available to them in the future, as all three schools are located close to the Unity site and with pupils perfectly located to be able to see its growth in the years ahead.

Phil Sheppard, Manager at the National Literacy Trust in Doncaster, joined the sessions to lead a creative literacy activity. He introduced a selection of donated books themed around careers relevant to the development sector, including roles such as architect, engineer, and scientist.

Phil Sheppard said: “After reading one of the books to the children, I encouraged pupils to work together to create their own stories. It was fantastic to see them thinking about future career possibilities and getting lots of different ideas flowing.

“The books that have been generously donated will help more local pupils to fall in love with reading and unlock the many benefits it brings – from boosting confidence and wellbeing to improving academic performance and future outcomes.”

The day was coordinated by Kelly Skipp, Regenerative Neighbourhood Manager for Neighbourhoods and Wellbeing at Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council who is currently delivering the Junior Citizen Programme for schools in Stainforth. Commenting on the school visits, Kelly said: “As the Unity development continues to progress, it is great to see that Waystone Hargreaves Land are actively engaging with the local community across all age groups.”

Jordan Dodds, Social Value Developer at Hargreaves, added: “The school visit forms part of Waystone Hargreaves Land’s commitment to working closely with local communities, particularly those most directly impacted by the development. By engaging with young people early, the initiative aims to build awareness, inspire future aspirations, and ensure that the benefits of Unity are understood and shared by the next generation.”

Caroline Tudor, Assistant Headteacher at Long Toft Primary School, said: “Long Toft Primary’s Year 5 and 6 children were visited by the Unity Project and Phil Sheppard from The Literacy Trust. The new development project planning was shared with the children and they were amazed at the potential opportunities for their future, this offered. Building on aspirations for the future, children were able to understand how the work of the Unity Project within their locality, could help to shape their future as young citizens of Stainforth.

“Long Toft librarians were delighted to receive the book collection for the school Reading Room, so that other children in school can aspire to a job in the construction industry, in the future.”