The Garden House - Kao Data

St Thomas' Primary School

The PTA at St Thomas' CE Primary School (Stockport’s largest primary school) is a registered charity run by parent volunteers who raise funds for the school, supporting the purchase of equipment, improvements and treats that the school budget can't cover. It also leads eco initiatives, including creating green spaces in the playground, and runs the School Street project, closing nearby roads to traffic for a safer, healthier environment for students.

What will the Kao SEED Fund support?

The funding will support the Green Screening project, which aims to improve air quality around St Thomas’ CE Primary School by planting ivy green screens along the school’s perimeter fences. These screens will block and absorb air pollution, particularly nitrogen dioxide from car exhausts. Inspired by successful projects in cities like London and Sheffield, the initiative will create a cleaner, healthier environment for the school community.

Who is the project helping support?

The "Green Screening" project will benefit over 650 children at St Thomas’ Primary School, their families, staff, and the local community. It will also positively impact those who live nearby, attend the adjacent church, and pass by the school daily. The project addresses the serious health risks associated with air pollution, particularly for children, who are more vulnerable to respiratory diseases, cognitive issues, and other health problems.

Impact of the project

The project aims to reduce air pollution around St Thomas’ Primary School and improve the local environment by adding greenery to a busy area. The ivy green screen will also enhance biodiversity by providing a habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and food for birds during winter. It will also offer an educational opportunity for children, teaching them about environmental health and the effects of air pollution. By improving air quality, the project hopes to enhance the physical and mental well-being of the children, creating a safer and healthier space for them to learn and play.

Find out more:

PTA - St Thomas’ CE Primary School Stockport