In 2023 the Trust received 44 applications from Primary, Junior, Infant and Nursery schools across Surrey.
This year we had £7,000 to award plus another £370 was added thanks to the money raised selling teas and cakes at Dunsborough Tulip Festival. We are also supported by Squires Garden Centres who generously donated £200 worth of garden vouchers to distribute to eligible schools.
We were able to grant awards to 33 schools. Some of the schools asked for small amounts which we could meet in full, or we were able to contribute to a particular part of a larger project.
The projects were varied and included plants for sensory and tranquil gardens, raised beds, mini greenhouses, child friendly garden tools, ponds, shrubs, trees, seeds, bulbs and compost.
The importance of well-maintained outside spaces in school grounds cannot be underestimated. They are vital for learning opportunities and the mental health of children and staff.
“I can’t tell you how thrilled we were to hear that you were awarding us such a generous grant! I can’t thank you, your organisation, and its members enough! We can’t wait to get stuck into the planting and see the results start to make a difference. We really appreciate the work the Trust does and the interest it takes in benefitting our children.”
When the entries are judged we ask the schools to provide a description of the project that they are creating or updating. It is helpful to see plans and photographs. Most successful applications clearly demonstrate evidence of whole school community involvement.
We would like to thank all of the Schools that applied for awards this year as well as the Schools Committee for all their hard work reviewing the applications and following up with each of the schools. We look forward to receiving photos of the completed projects. This photo is from Ashley Church of England Primary School in Walton on Thames who received awards in 2022 and 2023.
For further information about the Trust’s Schools Awards please click here.
For a list of recipients for this year’s awards please click here.