This year, our entry celebrated the Reception & Key Stage 1 Vegetable Garden — a much-loved space at the heart of our Reception House building. The award was presented by Councillor Ian Jee, Chairperson of the Greenspaces Working Group for Newbury Town Council, and was collected on behalf of the school by Reception and Year 1 teachers Mrs Bloxsom and Mrs Ryder.

Tended daily by our Reception pupils and members of the Year 1 and 2 Gardening Club, the garden has flourished with courgettes, runner beans, peas, pumpkins, tomatoes, raspberries, strawberries and sunflowers. It is also home to our five St Gabriel’s chickens — Sweetie Blob and friends — who are firm favourites with the children.

Beyond being a source of delicious produce, the garden offers pupils the chance to learn about seasonal planting, sustainability, and the joy of harvesting the fruits of their labour. At St Gabriel’s, a love of the outdoors and respect for the environment is embedded from Nursery onwards, and this award is a wonderful recognition of the children’s hard work and enthusiasm.