PRIMARY NEWS Griffin Primary School opens award-winning school garden
Griffin Primary School has officially opened its new school garden, Griffin Green, following its success in the London Borough of Culture Schools Garden Competition. The opening was marked by a special event, attended by Councillor Akinola and Councillor White, alongside representatives from Enable, Reap, Deputy Headteacher Rachel Robson, Griffin Green Council Members and Wandsworth Council. in partnership with Enable and Wandsworth Council as part of Welcome to Wandsworth, London Borough of Culture 2025, the competition invited primary schools across the borough to design inclusive, sustainable gardens that champion biodiversity and community connection. Griffin Primary School’s winning design has now been brought to life as a vibrant new outdoor space for students to enjoy. The opening event celebrated the transformation of the school grounds, with attendees invited to explore the garden and hear a few words from the Deputy Headteacher, Rachel Robson. The garden features native and pollinator plants, a rainwater collection system and compost bin integration, creating a welcoming environment which supports learning and wellbeing.
Councillor Akinola said: “This project will have an impact well into the future. It’s not just about creating a garden today, but about setting a standard for the pupils and staff who come after and showing what can be achieved with a bit of creativity. We’re excited to see the children using the space, learning about plants and growth, and taking pride in something they’ve helped bring to life.”
Developed as a ‘living classroom’, Griffin Green will provide hands-on learning opportunities linked to the curriculum. The project has been shaped with long-term impact in mind, ensuring it remains a sustainable resource for future pupils.
Enable, in partnership with Reap and South Thames College, worked closely with the school throughout the process, offering expert guidance
and practical support to bring the vision to life while ensuring the space is manageable for staff and students to maintain. Earlier in the project, Enable delivered an educational assembly to Griffin Primary pupils, introducing them to where food comes from and how it can be grown. This session helped spark enthusiasm and ensured students were involved from the very beginning of the garden’s journey.
Premier League Primary Stars champions inclusion with new resource
• 10 free Active Allies wristbands to recognise pupils who demonstrate allyship in action
• A teacher guide to support inclusive conversations and reflection in class The free downloadable Active Allies resource helps pupils explore:
• What allyship looks like in school, from including others in play to supporting classmates.
• How kindness builds community, encouraging pupils to reflect on their impact on peers.
• How to recognise allyship in others, building empathy and noticing positive behaviour.
• Simple strategies for being an ally, including practical approaches pupils can use during lessons, play times and group work.
The resource includes discussion prompts, short activities and scenarios designed for flexible use, whether in PSHE, assemblies or pastoral sessions.
With pupil wellbeing and belonging under real pressure in UK schools, simple tools that help build positive relationships are more valuable than ever.
Recent DfE data highlights ongoing concerns around pupils’ sense of safety, enjoyment and belonging at school, and also reveals that many children continue to face online harm and bullying, reinforcing the need for proactive, school-led support for kindness and inclusion. Premier League Primary Stars is championing kindness, allyship and inclusion with their Active Allies resource plus, teachers who download the free resource before 8 May will receive:
8
www.education-today.co.uk
The Active Allies wristbands give teachers a tangible tool to celebrate positive behaviour and reinforce inclusion. Used alongside the classroom resource, they help pupils: • Develop empathy and social awareness • Build stronger relationships • Understand the importance of standing up for others • Contribute to a welcoming, supportive school environment.
Wristbands are limited to the first 300 teachers to download the resource. The initiative aligns with Premier League Primary Stars’ mission to support children’s personal development through curriculum-linked learning and the positive influence of sport.
April 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
