Kingsbury Green’s Toy Swap – A Fun Way to Help the Planet
Leanne is the Sustainability Lead at Kingsbury Green Primary School (KGPS), where she’s been leading sustainability efforts for the past 10 years. She’s also the SENCO and a Qualified Teacher of the Deaf. Leanne has a strong passion for teaching pupils and families about the environment, and it shows in the school’s many eco projects!
The Toy Swap came about after Leanne had a chat with Veolia, who suggested it as a way to reduce waste and bring the whole school community together. The idea was simple: instead of throwing out old toys, families could donate them, and students could pick out something “new” to take home. It’s a fun way to reuse, recycle, and help reduce waste.
So how does it work?
- Getting Families Involved: Leanne sends out newsletters asking families to donate toys and books. She even encourages grandparents and other relatives to pitch in so there are enough items for everyone.
- Sorting and Cleaning: Student volunteers, known as ECO Champions, help sort the donations and give them a quick clean. They organize everything into categories like soft toys, board games, and cars, making sure everything is in good condition.
- The Big Day: On the day of the swap, the ECO Champions help set up everything and Leanne gives a brief talk explaining how the event helps reduce waste. After the assembly, students get to choose a toy or book to take home. If there’s anything left, older students can take a toy too.
Challenges include:
- Enough Donations? Leanne sometimes worries about having enough toys, but donations always come through.
- Keeping the Focus on Sustainability: The pupils get so excited about the toys, sometimes Leanne needs to remind them of the bigger picture – that it’s about reducing waste and helping the planet.
The Toy Swap is always a big hit. Pupils love the chance to pick out a new toy, and many take pride in knowing they’re part of an event that helps the environment. The excitement is always high, but they also get the message about sustainability.
Before the swap, Leanne runs an assembly explaining how swapping toys helps reduce waste. She makes sure the message is simple and easy for younger children to understand. Teachers also reinforce the idea in class to keep the conversation going.
Leanne keeps parents updated with regular newsletters, asking for donations or help with organizing the event. She also invites parents to volunteer on eco trips and other sustainability activities, helping to strengthen the school-community connection.
The Toy Swap isn’t the only sustainability event at KGPS. The school also holds:
- Harvest Sale: Students sell produce from the school garden.
- Clothes Swap & Fashion Show: Students upcycle old clothes and showcase their creations in a fashion show.
- Eco Product Sales: Reusable bags and pencil cases to promote sustainable products.
Leanne encourages other teachers to try similar sustainability events. “Pupils really enjoy being part of something that helps the environment,” she says. “Once they get involved, they’ll help make the event a success.”
Sustainability is part of everyday life at Kingsbury Green. Leanne ensures it’s always a priority with regular events and activities, and the involvement of ECO Champions. The school even partners with Myers School in Pakistan on sustainability projects, giving students a global perspective on environmental issues.
The Toy Swap at Kingsbury Green is a great example of how sustainability can be fun and meaningful. It brings the whole school together, teaching students the importance of reducing waste and the value of second-hand items.