Delivering Social Value Through Outdoor Learning at Hamer Community Primary School
At GVA, delivering social value is a fundamental part of how we approach our projects. We believe infrastructure and environmental schemes should leave a positive legacy for the communities they serve, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see this reflected in the ongoing use of the forest school seating at Hamer Community Primary School.
The seating was donated as part of our Area 10 Ash Dieback Scheme, supporting our commitment to meaningful community engagement alongside environmental improvement. Although installed over two years ago, we were delighted to recently receive feedback from the school confirming that the benches continue to be used daily and remain an important part of outdoor learning provision.
The forest school seating is regularly used by the school’s Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pupils, helping to create an inclusive, accessible space where children can learn, play, and engage with the natural environment. Importantly, the benches are also used by the school’s Rainbow Room provision, which supports children who require additional help within mainstream education. The availability of permanent outdoor seating ensures these pupils can consistently access outdoor learning opportunities, reinforcing inclusivity and wellbeing.
Seeing the benches featured in the school’s recent marketing video, actively in use by pupils, clearly demonstrates the long-term value of this small but impactful intervention. It is particularly pleasing to know that the seating continues to support both educational outcomes and emotional wellbeing, long after the main scheme works were completed.
Creating Lasting Community Benefits
The Area 10 Ash Dieback Scheme was delivered under the Environment and Wellbeing Road Investment Strategy 2 (RIS 2) and focused on addressing the environmental risks posed by ash dieback disease. Alongside removing diseased trees and replanting thousands of native species, the project placed a strong emphasis on leaving a positive social legacy.
Social value outcomes included:
- Engagement with Hamer Community Primary School as part of local community investment
- Supporting inclusive outdoor education through donated forest school seating
- Providing long-term resources that continue to benefit pupils and staff
- Strengthening connections between infrastructure delivery and local communities
A Legacy Beyond the Scheme
The feedback from Hamer Community Primary School highlights how thoughtful social value initiatives can continue to deliver benefits well beyond project completion. We are extremely pleased to see the forest school benches being so well utilised and making a genuine difference to children’s learning experiences.
