Big-hearted pupils, staff and governors at Slade Primary School are celebrating after scooping a prestigious prize at the Stockland Green Community Awards last month.
The annual awards acknowledge the contribution of local people and organisations who make a difference to the Stockland Green neighbourhood. Slade was nominated by members of the community for the outstanding contributions and services it provides in the area.
Everybody at the popular school, part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), is “thrilled” and “honoured” to be recognised for their commitment to outside working and truly being at the heart of the community.
Headteacher Helen Hastilow said: “We’re proud to be members of the community. We think of ourselves of being at the heart of it. Stockland Green is the most wonderful place to live and we are growing and nurturing the adults who will lead this community in years to come. For that reason, it’s vitally important that children are active citizens in our local area.”
Slade’s accolade stems from a number of key community projects. The school has worked in collaboration with local business Pioneer Housing group, Network Rail and Marsh Hill Allotments on a scheme to improve the Bridge on Slade Road. Pupils designed and made a series of mosaics to display on the bridge and worked with Marsh Hill Allotments to plant bulbs in a number of planters, which were also placed at the site.
The School’s ‘Eco Council’ has been involved in clearing and planting in nearby parks. The school also has its own allotment plot at Marsh Hill and has received funding from ‘Tesco Bags of Help’ to turn this into a useable plot. The children have teamed up with the allotments to plant a range of bulbs for winter.
Slade has also worked closely with families to provide educational opportunities for parents. Through work with Eagles Consultancy, some mothers have completed free access courses in English and Maths. Those parents are now undertaking a fully funded teaching assistant qualification, which includes an in-school placement at Slade. In addition, the academy provides monthly free advice cafes where families can benefit from free financial, housing and parenting advice.
All of that work has seen Slade recognised as being key givers of support and the beating heart of its closely-knit community.
Chair of governors, Junaid Gharda, said: “Slade is more than just a school. It is a key leader in our community and we are so proud of all of the things they have done within Stockland Green.”
