Case Study: Primary Partners

'Primary Partners' is the umbrella term for our ongoing relationship with St Luke’s Church of England Primary School in Radnor Street, and the Golden Lane campus. It is arguably our most successful and well-supported volunteering programme, and is open to all permanent members of staff. It is run in conjunction with the local Education Business Partnership, and was commended in the July 2007 'Innovative Lawyers' Private Practice Corporate Social Responsibility Review published by the Financial Times.

Volunteers commit to spending approximately half an hour developing a relationship with one pupil aged between four and eleven. Sessions take place at lunchtimes, and while the initial focus is generally on literacy, the schools are flexible in their approach, and are happy to see reading partnerships expand to include number games, computer work, or any other activity that helps build the child’s confidence and develop their learning skills.

In 2004 our relationship with St Luke’s School was further developed when we worked with the school to redevelop the playground. We enclosed the playground with a brick wall designed by a local architect to incorporate mural panels completed by the children. We also resurfaced the playground, built a small outdoor theatre, and fenced off the five-a-side football pitch.

We intend to continue developing our Primary Partners programme to support both St Luke’s School and the Golden Lane campus.