Havering Adult College Donates Books, K’Nex to St Edward’s

Key Points

• Havering Adult College has donated a collection of reading books and K’Nex construction sets to St. Edward’s Church of England School in Romford.
• The donation aims to support literacy, creativity, and STwEM Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics learning among pupils.
• The initiative was led by Cheryl Dower, Manager of the College’s Teaching Assistant, Early Years and Family Learning Department.
• Cheryl Dower emphasised the importance of nurturing reading and problem-solving skills from a young age, as well as promoting sustainability through reuse.
• Mr Christopher Speller, Head Teacher at St Edward’s, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating it will enrich both classroom and extracurricular learning.
• Havering Adult College is the borough’s only stand-alone adult educational institution and maintains a strong commitment to community engagement.
• The college supports lifelong learning by offering courses that help adults develop skills, confidence, and qualifications.
• The donation reflects the college’s ethos of reducing waste and supporting future learners in meaningful ways.
• St Edward’s Church of England School was rated “good” by Ofsted in its last inspection in 2019, with strong leadership and a positive learning climate.
• The school serves the Romford community and is rooted in Christian values, with a focus on pupils’ personal development and spiritual awareness.

Who Led the Donation Effort?

As reported by The Havering Daily, the donation drive was spearheaded by Cheryl Dower, Manager of the Teaching Assistant, Early Years and Family Learning Department at Havering Adult College. Dower played a central role in organising the collection and transfer of educational materials to St. Edward’s C of E School. Her department focuses on early childhood education and family learning, making the donation a natural extension of the college’s outreach mission.

Cheryl Dower stated:
“It’s so important to nurture a love of reading and problem-solving from a young age. By donating these books and K’Nex sets, we are not only inspiring children to explore and create, but also ensuring resources are reused in a meaningful way. Helping others in our community while reducing waste is something we are very passionate about at Havering Adult College.”

This statement, as published by The Havering Daily, underscores the dual purpose of the initiative: educational enrichment and environmental sustainability.

What Was Donated and Why?

Havering Adult College donated a selection of reading books and K’Nex construction sets to St. Edward’s Church of England School in Romford. The books are intended to promote literacy among young learners, while the K’Nex sets support hands-on learning in STwEM subjects, encouraging creativity, spatial reasoning, and collaborative problem-solving.

The use of K’Nex in educational settings has been widely documented as an effective tool for engaging students in engineering and design thinking, particularly in primary education. The donation aligns with broader educational strategies in Havering, including the borough’s literacy and skills development goals.

How Has the School Responded?

Mr Christopher Speller, Head Teacher at St. Edward’s Church of England School, welcomed the donation and acknowledged its potential impact on pupils’ learning experiences. As reported by The Havering Daily, he said:

“We are very grateful for the generosity shown by Havering Adult College. The books and construction sets will be a valuable resource for our pupils and will help enrich both classroom and extracurricular learning.”

This response highlights the school’s appreciation for community partnerships and the practical value of donated materials in enhancing educational delivery.

Historical inspection data from Ofsted supports the school’s commitment to high-quality education. A 2019 report noted that St. Edward’s “continues to be good,” with strong leadership, a positive climate for learning, and effective support for pupils’ personal development. The school’s Christian ethos, evident in its welcoming environment and faith-based values, further reinforces its role as a community anchor.

What Is Havering Adult College’s Role in the Community?

Havering Adult College is the only stand-alone adult education institution in the London Borough of Havering. It provides a wide range of courses designed to help adults gain qualifications, improve employability, and build confidence. According to its official website and public records, the college serves a diverse learner base and prioritises accessibility and inclusion.

The college’s community engagement extends beyond formal education. By donating surplus educational materials, it promotes sustainability and intergenerational learning. This initiative reflects a broader trend in adult education institutions taking active roles in local development, as seen in similar partnerships across the UK.

What Are the Broader Implications of This Initiative?

This donation exemplifies how educational institutions can collaborate across age groups to strengthen community resilience. By redirecting used but functional resources to primary schools, Havering Adult College reduces waste and supports early years education—a model that could be replicated elsewhere.

Moreover, the partnership between an adult college and a primary school fosters a culture of lifelong learning, where education is seen as a continuous journey rather than a segmented process. Such initiatives also align with local government strategies, such as Havering’s cultural and educational development plans, which aim to create a more inclusive and vibrant borough.

What Do Official Records Reveal About the Institutions Involved?

Publicly available data confirms the operational status and reputations of both institutions. Havering Adult College is registered as an education management provider with a reported revenue between £11 million and £100 million and employs between 11 and 50 staff. It has a “Good” Ofsted rating, reflecting its commitment to quality education.

St. Edward’s Church of England School, located on Havering Drive, Romford, is a voluntary-aided primary school with a “Good” Ofsted rating since 2015, reaffirmed in a 2019 short inspection. The school serves children aged 4 to 11 and is governed by a partnership between the local authority, the Church of England, and its board of governors.

A Model of Local Educational Collaboration

The book and K’Nex donation from Havering Adult College to St. Edward’s C of E School is more than a charitable act—it is a strategic investment in the borough’s educational ecosystem. Led by Cheryl Dower and welcomed by Head Teacher Christopher Speller, the initiative bridges adult and primary education, promotes sustainability, and enriches learning for young pupils.

As documented by The Havering Daily, this partnership reflects the values of community, stewardship, and lifelong learning that both institutions uphold. It stands as a testament to what local educational bodies can achieve when they work together for the common good.