Southwark’s youngest councillor, Joseph Vambe, was recently the guest of honour at a local SE1 primary school to open their new Nursery and Reception playground

Joseph, Labour councillor for Chaucer ward, was welcomed to the school to officiate at the opening ceremony and see the new development.

As a proud local resident, Joseph was also able to spend time with older school children at Friars to share inspirational messages from his life journey, where he won the first ‘Stormzy’ scholarship to Cambridge University and is now an elected representative in
Southwark.

During his visit, Joseph discovered the unique learning opportunities that Friars early years outdoor area provides. These include a stimulating mixture of structures appropriate for wet and dry weather, climbing and physical exercise spaces, creative play, quiet areas and sensory plant and tree zones.

Joseph observed “As a former member of Southwark’s Education Commission, I understand the opportunities all children should have and I’m excited to see a school offering such a varied outdoor learning and development environment.”

Professional playground designer, Robert Fairley, from London School Playground Design ensured the complex has a broad range of activities, complementing the rest of the school’s vibrant grounds and sports facilities.

Early Years lead Claire Foster explained, “Young children are always learning and it’s very important for nursery and reception classes to have an exciting outdoor area to explore with their peers.”

The playground development completes the current phase of Friars’ medium-term investment programme which started with the construction of a dance and music studio, IT and technology suite and art and design studio.

Headteacher Jo Wratten commented, “We are proud of the investments we are making in our educational facilities that all pupils will benefit from. The children are very excited to use these new spaces and keen to engage in their learning opportunities. The school’s leadership team and Governors have worked to ensure financial resources continue to be carefully invested for our pupil’s benefit both now and in the future. We are looking forward to further developments as part of our investment programme which is
due to run for several more years.”

Friars is a one form entry Southwark local authority foundation primary school situated between Waterloo and Borough in the Borough and Bankside area of Southwark. For any parents of prospective pupils interested in visiting the school please contact the office to attend one of the scheduled tours or make a booking through the website.