Laing

Since 2006 the John Laing School Grounds Awards, managed by Learning through Landscapes, have offered support and opportunities for children to learn and develop in stimulating and innovative school grounds. Over the last three years the scheme has funded projects that have been educational, environmental, artistic, health-promoting or simply enhanced play or social development. Now in its fourth year, the awards continue to make positive change for schools across London.

Beavers Community Primary School, Hounslow received £5,000 to assist with their project, a 'Garden of Tranquility'. The school is close to Hounslow Barracks and many pupils have one or both parents serving in the army. The school's application to the John Laing School Grounds Awards was for a design, developed by pupils of a Garden of Tranquility for children and members of the wider school community to go think of and remember their loved ones.

The support from the John Laing Charitable Trust and an enthusiastic school team proved to be a catalyst for a large and ambitious project attracting much additional funding and assistance.

The opening ceremony took place on 11 November 2010 - Remembrance Day. Attendees included many of those who contributed towards the garden's development as well as other community members and representatives.

• St. Jude's Church of England Primary School, Herne Hill received £2,000 which has been used to revamp a disused wildlife area in their grounds. The work was carried out by parent and children volunteers over a number of 'gardening Saturdays' and weekly after school sessions in the summer term. Over 300 people attended the opening Garden Party event. The project enabled the school to make links with other local organisations such as the London Wildlife Trust, South London Botanical Institute, London Beekeepers Association and others.

• Stillness Infant School in Lewisham received £1,000 and this was used to build four raised planters to facilitate fruit, vegetable and flower growing around the school. The planters were made by local builders who charged for materials only.

The School Grounds Awards scheme has funded projects that are educational, environmental, creative, health-promoting or enhancing active play and social skills. The subscription has provided unlimited access to expert advice from Learning through Landscapes via phone and email as well as resources, newsletters and ideas for outdoor activitIes and a vast online library of resources.

Photograph of the Garden of Tranquility at Beavers School courtesy of the Hounslow Chronicle