Primary school secures £30k for boroughs first ‘superzone’

A primary school has secured £30,000 in funding from the Mayor of London’s School Superzone programme.

Edward Wilson Primary School in Senior Street, Westbourne Green, is working with Westminster council to set up the first School Superzone in Westminster.

Superzones are areas around schools within a five to 10 minute radius that help children play safely, breathe clean air, be active, enjoy a healthy diet and thrive.

Councils work with partners within the zone like fast-food takeaways and convenience stores to create a healthier food environment as well as promote active travel, reducing the flow of traffic in streets outside schools to improve air quality and restrict the advertising of harmful products.

Headteacher of Edward Wilson Primary School, Darren Guttridge said: “We are all really excited about engaging in the Superzone project with Westminster council, one which will help improve the quality of life for our school community.

“We have a fantastic opportunity here to create new, and improve upon existing, amenities within our local area which can benefit our pupils and their families for future generations.”

Westminster council will use this first wave of funding to work with Edward Wilson Primary School to focus on a need for more active travel.

Teachers have raised concerns about road safety and safety in local parks. With 20 per cent of children at Edward Wilson Primary School being driven to school by car, the school are keen to increase different ways for active travel.

The council have said they will develop a plan with pupils, parents, and governors before they set to work on creating the Superzone.

Councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis, cabinet member for adult social care, public health and volunteering said: “Having healthy spaces and neighbourhoods is vital to giving children the best start in life and reducing health inequalities.

“We’re really looking forward to getting started with this funding from the Mayor of London and seeing the positive impact for families in Westminster.”

Pictured top: Edward Wilson Primary School (Picture: Westminster council)