Sunderland primary school crowned winner of Gentoo’s gardening competition
A Sunderland primary school has been praised for its garden by one of the city’s growing charities.
Students at East Herrington Primary Academy, in East Herrington, Sunderland, have been awarded the Best School Garden title in Gentoo’s annual Ready, Set, Grow gardening competition.
The school impressed a judging panel who praised the garden’s ambition, creativity and ability to bring together the community.
Maria Davison, teacher at East Herrington Primary Academy said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award.
"What started as a small project with our year one class has grown into something much bigger than we ever imagined.
"Much as this is a small gardening club, it has grown in interest, size and we are being asked to do lots of projects.
"The garden has created opportunities for children and their families to spend quality time together, learn new skills and experience the joy of growing their own plants and food.
"Winning this award will help us continue developing the space and bring our plans for a sensory wellbeing garden to life."
After discovering an unused polytunnel on the school grounds, pupils transformed the neglected space and began growing sunflowers inspired by their storybooks.
Pupils quickly became invested in nurturing their plants, taking responsibility for watering, measuring and caring for the sunflowers each day.
Their enthusiasm soon expanded beyond flowers, leading to the growing of vegetables, fruit and a range of colourful plants.
As interest grew, the school launched a gardening club designed to encourage families to learn new skills together and support wellbeing through outdoor activities.
Chris Roberts, director of customer at Gentoo said: "The judges were incredibly impressed by the school's vision and the way the project has brought together children, parents, carers and grandparents to create something truly special.
"What began as a simple idea to grow sunflowers has developed into a thriving outdoor space that supports learning, wellbeing and community connection.
"It is clear how much passion, dedication and teamwork has gone into the garden, making this a very deserving winner."
The project continues to grow, with plans underway to transform an overgrown planter at the front of the school and create a dedicated sensory wellbeing garden featuring reading nooks and quiet spaces where children can relax away from the playground.