SCHOOL staff, teachers and the community have welcomed a primary school’s decision to buy life-saving equipment.

Little Leigh Primary School has purchased a defibrillator, which is available for anyone to use when the school is open.

There is a defibrillator at the village hall, but the school felt it was vital it had the equipment to give someone in need of help the best chance of survival.

“Little Leigh Primary School is passionate about education, and safety is paramount,” said Kim Cairns, the school’s acting head teacher.

“Within the village of Little Leigh there is a defibrillator located at the village hall, which can be accessed at any time of day.

“However, the school recognised that in an emergency by the time a member of staff had retrieved the defibrillator it is likely that it would be too late to help the casualty.

“This matter was discussed at a full governing body meeting, and both governors and the senior leadership team felt it was paramount that a defibrillator was located at school.

“This view was reflected by all staff members, especially Shaun Agnew, our site manager and Forest Schools leader.”

Mrs Cairns was able to secure an automated external defibrillator (AED) from Posturite, which agreed a discounted price with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

“We made the decision to purchase the equipment immediately – we couldn’t put a cost on saving someone’s life,” added Mrs Cairns.

Staff members have completed basic training, and will now receive further specific training in CPR and the use of a defibrillator, provided free by Helen Thompson, health and safety training co-ordinator at Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The next step is for the school’s year six children to receive basic first aid training.

“The school staff members, governors and the local community have welcomed the decision to purchase the AED, which is available for anyone to use when the school is open,” said Mrs Cairns.

“We hope by sharing the news in the Guardian that even more people will know about the defibrillator, and will know where to access the device should they ever need it.”