Growing More Than Gardens: Parkside Primary School Project

At DorSuite, we believe social value should be more than a tick-box exercise; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities we serve.

Our partnership with Morgan Sindall Property Services and the London Borough of Waltham Forest has already delivered over 2,500 fire-rated timber doorsets for the borough’s social housing stock. But our collaboration doesn’t stop at the factory floor. Together, we look for opportunities to go beyond our contractual commitments and invest directly in people, places, and futures.

One such opportunity came from Parkside Primary School in Chingford. The school’s once-loved garden space had fallen into disrepair after the loss of its caretaker. For children, many of whom have limited access to green spaces at home, this meant missing out on an important outdoor learning environment.

Working side-by-side, DorSuite and Morgan Sindall brought the garden back to life:

• New raised planters and fresh planting

• Jet-washed paths and seating areas

• Tidy, safe spaces for play and learning

• Hands-on activities for pupils, from planting vegetables to painting benches and birdhouses

  
  

The transformation was more than cosmetic. For pupils, it’s a space to explore biodiversity, understand the changing seasons, and experience the joy of nurturing something that grows. For teachers, it’s a new outdoor classroom. For the community, it’s a shared space of pride.

As Daniel McCroft, Director at DorSuite, explains:

“This project is about more than upgrading a garden; it’s about creating a place where children can learn, smile, and carry those lessons home to their families. Making a positive impact and doing our bit to inspire a future generation is our honour and privilege.”

The day was made even more special by the visit of local MP, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, who praised the initiative for connecting education, community, and wellbeing.

This is social value in action - a demonstration of what’s possible when the private sector, local government, and schools work together with a shared purpose.

Watch the full film to see the transformation, the teamwork, and the smiles at Parkside Primary School.