Offering work experience opportunities for pupils is one of the many ways in which Greener Ealing Limited supports our local community, which is one of our core values. That’s why we always leap at the chance to support Springhallow and St Ann’s, both Ealing Local Authority maintained schools for pupils with a diagnosis of Autism and a wide range of learning abilities.
We have a longstanding relationship with Springhallow School fostered by John Carpenter, Greener Ealing’s grounds maintenance supervisor, and Katie Morley, deputy head of Springhallow, which began three years ago when we helped renovate the school’s outside areas, creating a communal garden, including a sensory area and several raised vegetable beds made from sleepers.
On an annual basis, we also attend a mentoring day to help students consider their futures and we offer regular work experience opportunities too.
Work experience for Springhallow students
For the last three years, we’ve invited Springhallow students to join us for a week of work experience. Our goal is to enable those taking part to join our team, try different tasks and feel satisfaction for a job well done.
This year we decided to focus our collective efforts on Greenford’s Ravenor Park. For the first three days, pupils and our crew worked hard revamping old flower beds and creating new wildflower areas. On the fourth day, we cleaned the furniture in the park, swept debris from around the park benches and undertook litter picking. On the final day, we headed to Springhallow and planted apple trees in the school’s garden, which we helped create in 2021.
Joining the grounds maintenance team
In addition to this, we recently hosted an event for students from St Ann’s and Springhallow schools organised by Business Education Events CIC (BEE). On the first day, students got involved with some maintenance tasks including litter picking, changing bin liners, cleaning park signs and raking the sandpit to remove twigs. On the second day, they planted shrubs, used the sweeper to wash down park furniture and extended the wild flower meadow by sowing more seeds. The day ended with ice cream for everyone. Well done to all the students and thank you for your hard work.
Welcome feedback
“Thank you so very much for facilitating the students from St Ann’s and Springhallow Special Schools. They had the most fantastic time and the teachers were absolutely blown away by the support given to their students. You and your team dealt with them all so sensitively and patiently. All of the students without exception got involved, did some work and had fun!” said Karen O’Connor, director of Business Education Events CIC (BEE).