Lochfield Primary School won outdoor tables and seating from IKEA as part of their wider Lochfield Gardens project. The school is aiming to transform part of the grounds into a community garden, with an allotment and composting area, along with plenty of outdoor, hands-on learning opportunities.
For students to fully take advantage of the space, the school needed enough outdoor seating to cater for whole classes. IKEA gave the school £2000 worth of equipment – 4 tables and 8 benches from its Norrmanso range. Now, whole classes will be able to comfortably have lessons outside and will be ready to take full advantage of the garden once it’s in development.
The school is hoping to have a sustainable, year-round garden that will be run by the students. Each year group will have a specific and permanent role so all students will experience the different responsibilities involved and develop new skills.
Once the garden is up and running, staff are hoping to open it up to the community and will offer flowers and fresh produce to local care-homes and food banks. Their new tables and benches will also be put to good use in the outdoor tearoom events they are planning for elderly members of the community. Having a functional, outdoor space will help the school host such events and enable them to grow their ties with the wider community.