B&Q Romford

Supporting low income families living in crisis in London and Essex. Throughout the year we provide essential support through our clothing bank and food pantry for families living in financial crisis due to no fault of their own. In addition to our referred clients we also work with over 26 homeless families hostels throughout Essex and the capital to reduce social isolate and increase wellbeing. In 2021 we set up a community food store onsite for our clients who are in food poverty to provide a full wrap around support service which will result in a reduction in food insecurity in young people. We see at least 30 families each day it is open. In addition to our daily support we run targeted appeals to ensure no child is left behind their better off peers. This includes providing free school uniform, Easter Treats, hosting a free prom dress boutique and our busiest project- our Christmas shoe Box appeal which see over 2000 local children receive a box of presents from Santa's each year.

We are excited to share that we will be enhancing our Forest School, outdoor classrooms and wider learning environments through the use of reusable resources kindly sourced from B&Q. By repurposing materials that might otherwise go to waste, we are not only developing engaging and creative outdoor spaces for our children, but also promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. These resources will support a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities, from imaginative play and construction to problem-solving and teamwork. Our aim is to create rich, stimulating outdoor areas where children can explore, take risks, and connect with nature, all while learning the importance of reusing and recycling materials. We look forward to seeing these spaces grow and evolve, providing exciting opportunities for outdoor learning across the school.

At Rush Green Primary School, we intend for all children to develop positive attitudes towards their learning, and breaking down barriers. We strive to always provide greater opportunities to all children and ensuring they have access to an outstanding education and experience in classes and in the playground. As the school is located in a deprived area of Dagenham many children are from a disadvantage background; therefore, do not have the opportunity to explore many experiences such as being creative in a sand pit, riding scooters or even building with Legos . This project is designed to transform children's play experiences in schools, addressing issues like boredom, behavioural problems, and lack of strategic play approaches. We aim to focus on rich, creative, collaborative, and active outdoor play in challenging yet safe environments, The aim of this project is to improve children's development, happiness, and wellbeing. It will significantly positive outcomes, including reduced behavioural incidents, increased teaching time, and a more joyful school atmosphere. Research suggest that children who are more actively engaged during playtime are academically better performing due to the enhancing skills of creativity. The rationale of this project is to highlight the importance of play as this is the process which children learn everything they need to know that cannot be taught; it allows the brain to be wired, builds capable bodies and is key to social skills (building relationships). It will also reduce any common playtime issues in the school by implementing strategic zones of enriched activities. With this project, we aim to provide a place where an amazing childhood experiences happens by bringing daily joy and happiness into children's lives through better learning, activity, and socialisation. The Outdoor Play Learning and Enrichment is a structured project that will allow us, Rush Green Primary School, to provide every child with rich opportunities to be creative, collaborative and active in their outdoor play, in environments that are safe enough for 'health and safety' but challenging enough for children's ongoing development. Evidence suggests that strategically thought out outdoor play and learning has impacted on children's mental health and wellbeing (University of Exeter). This project will continuously be reviewed to ensure the children are offered the best opportunities and improve the offers provided to ensure they are accessing a fully enriched curriculum as whole and their experience whilst at primary school is one to remember with joy.