Sheena Kotecha

A record-breaking gold

The award marks Paddington Rec’s 12th consecutive year in the competition, and this year’s result is its strongest yet. Announced at the London in Bloom ceremony at Kensington and Chelsea Town Hall, the Gold award recognises the care, quality and ambition behind one of Westminster’s best-loved green spaces. London in Bloom celebrates the capital’s green spaces and the people who care for them, making this latest Gold another standout achievement in Paddington Rec’s growing record of success.

A launch to celebrate

The new-look facilities were officially launched with the Lord Mayor, Cllr Karen Scarborough and Cllrs Richard Rigby, Geoff Barraclough and Nafsika Thalassis in attendance.

Champion of the Future and basketball professional Melita Carr Emanuel brought even more energy to the morning, shooting hoops with young people from St Augustine’s CE High School and putting the refreshed court through its paces.

Last week, 30 young people with special educational needs and disabilities took centre stage at Paddington Recreation Ground for the launch of Westminster’s new Schools SEND Football League.

Could they do it on a cold, rainy Wednesday morning in Westminster? Absolutely.

Four schools battled through the downpour as the first fixtures of the 2026/27 campaign kicked off. Abingdon House and St Marylebone CE Bridge School represented Westminster, joined by Wembley Manor School from Brent and Odyssey House School from Camden.

Big tackles, brilliant teamwork

Each school played three seven-a-side matches, with girls and boys from under-16 secondary school year groups taking part. Friendly fixtures have brought some of the schools together before, but the new league adds a competitive goal for players to chase, giving teammates the chance to test their game plans in a league of their own.

One Abingdon House player summed up the determination on display:

Building confidence through the game

The league is about much more than goals. It creates valuable opportunities for young people with additional needs to build confidence, develop teamwork, represent their schools and enjoy the buzz of competitive sport in a positive, supportive setting.

Real voices, real change

World Mental Health Day takes place on Saturday 10 October. This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”, reminds us that listening to people’s experiences is essential to creating understanding, inclusion and meaningful change.

Adventure, learning and fresh air all year round

Sayers Croft offers exciting residential trips throughout the year, giving schools the chance to take learning beyond the classroom and into the outdoors.

From building confidence and teamwork to exploring nature and trying new activities, a residential stay can help pupils make memories, grow skills and enjoy time together in a safe and inspiring setting.