My initiative is designed for and delivered in London
Yes
I am 18 years of age or above, by the application deadline.
Yes
My organisation is a registered UK entity and has a London-based address.
Yes
My organisation is a non-profit (e.g. school, university, or local authority) — not a for-profit, which can only join as a partner.
Yes
If there is a for-profit organisation as a partner in my initiative, they work on a cost-recovery basis only.
Yes
My solution is implemented at scale, or if not, I have a clear business plan, a minimum viable solution (prototype, pilot, or proof of concept), evidence of access to a lease for the space you are leveraging, and evidence of work or impact in London within your coalition.
Yes
I am aware that, if I am submitting more than one application to a Challenge run by Ashoka and Go! London, only one of them is able to progress through the stages.
Yes
Are you an employee (and their children and grandchildren) of Ashoka or any of its respective affiliates and participating advertising and promotion agencies?
No
I have read and accepted the Challenge Terms & Conditions.
Yes
First Name
Laura
Last Name
Martin
Pronouns
She/Her
Email address
I would like to receive notifications and updates about Go London!, Ashoka, Ashoka Changemakers, and other Ashoka opportunities.
1
Are you an Ashoka Fellow?
No
Are you applying from an organization founded by an Ashoka Fellow?
No
If you are applying from an organization founded by an Ashoka Fellow, please specify the name and organisation of the fellow below.
Lead Organisation Name
Grange Primary School
Year that you started/ registered your organisation
1947
Initiative Title
MUGA For Grange Primary and the Community
My initiative is designed for and delivered in London
1
Website URL(s) or Social Media Handles
https://www.grange.harrow.sch.uk/
Initiative Stage
Idea (You have a solid concept and are hoping to get started in the future)
Sectors/Themes: What topic does your project most directly relate to?
Children & Youth
Initiative Summary: Describe your initiative in one sentence
With a proven track record in outdoor learning and inclusive physical education, we are passionately committed to modernising Grange Primary’s under-used grounds into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) with the ambition of boosting physical activity, supporting borough-wide priorities for healthier lifestyles, and uniting pupils and the wider Harrow community.
The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve and who will benefit the most from your solution? How close are you to the problem and/or community impacted?
In Harrow, like many Boroughs, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Year 6 children (aged 10-11) has increased vs. a decade ago (Source: Trust for London). As a school at the heart of this community, Grange Primary strives to meaningfully contribute to positive change and support healthier futures for local children. Whilst Harrow Council is investing over £6 million in local parks between 2025-2028, we believe Grange Primary School is brilliantly placed to reflect this borough-wide commitment by transforming its own outdoor facilities. Our outdoor spaces are large but require modernisation to better accommodate a variety of play and learning plans. Our deep understanding of this issue stems from direct experience and a strong conviction in the benefits of outdoor learning for pupil engagement, inclusion, and attainment. Our latest staff survey demonstrates this: 93% of teachers report outdoor learning enhances real-world experiences, and 86% note improved engagement. After embedding outdoor learning in our curriculum, 9 out of 10 staff teach outside at least three times per term, with 83% observing better behaviour and inclusion (especially for SEND, less confident, and vulnerable pupils). As the demand for high-quality, inclusive outdoor spaces grows, pressure on our current facilities restricts our opportunities to push this programme further. As Grange’s Business Manager, I am invested in ensuring we continue to grow our expertise in this area. We aim to address the challenges within our Borough head-on by supporting healthier, more active lifestyles for our pupils and the wider Harrow community. This proposal is a heartfelt, evidence-based response designed to unlock the potential of every child and family in our diverse community.
Your approach: How are you/ will you addressing the problem outlined above? How does your solution unlock or reimagine access to spaces for sport and physical activity? What role do landowners, local authorities, or other decision-making stakeholders play in your approach? We'd love to know about the origin of your idea, and what was your "aha" moment" that led you to take action?
Our solution is rooted in the need to secure opportunities for outdoor learning and play in Harrow to help combat growing levels of childhood obesity and provide our diverse community with access to an inclusive and dedicated space for activities. Inspired by Harrow Council’s investment in local parks and our close work with staff, parents, and pupils, we realised the enormous potential of transforming Grange’s under-used outdoor area into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). This was our “aha” moment - recognising that, by aligning with borough priorities and listening to our school and wider community - we could create a shared space that genuinely unlocks opportunities for physical activity and sport. Our approach re-imagines an outdated, weather-dependent space to provide a modern, all-weather facility for PE, play, and enrichment which will be accessible to all pupils during school and to the wider community outside hours. We will actively collaborate with stakeholders: Harrow Council’s vision underpins our plans, while our PTFA, teachers, and families are deeply engaged, already planning outdoor activities. The project’s next phase includes formalising links with community clubs and groups, ensuring the MUGA benefits as many people as possible. By tackling structural barriers locally, such as limited, poor-quality facilities, and by strengthening partnerships with local authorities and community groups, we are committed to ensuring every child and family can access safe, inspiring spaces for sport and physical activity.
Collaboration with young people and the community: In what ways does your initiative engage young people and community members closest to the problem? What role do they play in building the solution you deliver?
Young people and the Harrow community are at the very heart of our initiative, shaping every stage of our work. Pupils at Grange Primary are not passive beneficiaries—they are co-creators, helping us define priorities and solutions. Our “Pupil Voices” survey (Autumn 2025) directly informed our plans, with children expressing a clear desire for more outdoor learning and reporting increased confidence, enjoyment, and problem-solving when lessons move outside. Their enthusiasm is reflected in comments such as, “Now we do [outdoor learning] more often, that’s good because it makes me feel more confident.” Our engagement goes beyond the classroom. Year Six’s recent Community Litter Pick prompted positive recognition from the Local Council, underlining our pupils’ commitment to their area. The School Improvement Partner’s feedback praised both our leadership and encouraged us to further develop our outdoor learning programme, especially in EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Initiatives like the ‘Daily Mile’, where pupils run laps in the playground, and our Gold TfL Travel for Life Award, received in Autumn 2025, showcase our commitment to healthy, sustainable habits. The TfL award recognised our commitment to encourage walking, cycling, and public transport for school journeys. Our Headteacher, Daniel Kerbel, also modelled this by running 500 miles to raise school funds in Autumn 2024. Unsurprisingly, our pupils report high happiness and safety levels (97% positive parental feedback) and we are certain the above engagement with outdoor and physical learning amplifies this. We feel strongly that we can extend our expertise in this area to the wider community of children and families around us.
Potential for/Evidence of Impact: How do you imagine your initiative will make a difference in unlocking spaces for and access to physical activity and sport so far? If you have already implemented it, what difference have you made so far? What is the impact your initiative has had , and or what impact do you envision having in the future?
Our initiative addresses a significant local need: Harrow has fewer sports facilities per 10,000 residents than other local authorities, and with population growth (+9%, ONS 2021), demand for accessible, high-quality spaces is increasing. Through developing an all-weather Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), we unlock outdoor space previously restricted by weather and school-only access, enabling consistent, inclusive PE, structured play, and enrichment activities for pupils and the wider community. We have high levels of happiness and safety among Grange pupils (97% positive parental feedback), with staff reporting increased engagement and retention in outdoor learning as they embed this into curriculums. The MUGA will deepen this impact, support physical activity and enhance social skills (the pupils enjoy group participation in outdoor learning, and this helps build confidence – qualitative staff feedback at a recent Governors meeting). We anticipate hundreds of pupils, staff, and community members engaging with the facility annually, with expansion opportunities as local partnerships grow. Progress will be reviewed through KPIs – including participation, club uptake, and qualitative feedback from annual surveys. The timeline for scaling will begin immediately in preparation for the next phase of this funding opportunity. It will include exploring new and existing partnerships with local clubs to increase community access. A robust financial plan will focus on developing sustainability in the long-term (assessing KPIs and rates). Planned quarterly reviews will monitor impact, allowing for adaptation and improvement. Our solution is innovative in its imaginative use of school assets and local collaboration, embedding outdoor activity into daily school and community life.
Innovation: What is different about your initiative compared to other solutions that are already out there? How is your approach original and innovative?
Our initiative goes beyond the simple installation of a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Grange Primary School; we are integrating the space into everyday school and community life. The MUGA will be used for PE lessons, activity programmes such as the ‘Daily Mile’, a space for our Outdoor curriculum lessons and sessions for local community groups. We are already seeking to establish partnerships with sports organisations to run after-school clubs and weekend activities, ensuring the facility is in use outside of teaching hours. We have a strong existing collaboration with Harrow School – particularly for Music - and we are exploring that relationship in this context. Family-focused events, such as Dance and Yoga events organised by the PTFA, will further extend its reach. By opening the MUGA to community groups, we are increasing opportunities for physical activity and social engagement, whilst strengthening Grange’s community role and outreach. What sets our school apart is our proven track record of embedding outdoor learning within the curriculum and our consistently strong feedback around Leadership and Vision. Well-being initiatives, such as the ‘Daily Mile’ and our ‘Adventure Booklets’ (fun activities for pupils to do with their families), are already making a tangible impact and this is measured through our Pupil, staff and parent feedback. Staff report that “Outdoor learning …increases [pupil’s] engagement, enthusiasm and curiosity for learning” and “They [pupils] are more engaged and retain far more information”. By embedding the MUGA into the curriculum and opening it up for community use, we are tackling the root causes of inactivity and social isolation at an early age, and setting standards for inclusive, innovative approaches to outdoor activity.
Viability and Scalability: How are you setting your initiative up for success, and what is your plan to ensure operational sustainability of your solution and its impact? What are your ideas for scaling your initiative to the next level?
Our proposal leverages a robust foundation in outdoor learning and community engagement, positioning our Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) as a catalyst for positive change. By embedding the MUGA in the curriculum and offering access to local groups, we ensure a strategic approach to usage and engagement, giving ourselves the best chance of building on success once we’ve established benchmarks and review processes. Sustainability will be delivered through regular maintenance, curriculum integration, and maximising access via partnerships with clubs, PTFA, and Harrow School. Financial viability will be achieved by balancing income generation with community needs, supported by leadership oversight of ongoing costs and resources. We understand that scaling will require a continued commitment to investment, strong relationships, and innovation. Progress will be measured using KPIs, such as participation, club uptake, and qualitative feedback from annual surveys, alongside our scaling timeline (which will begin immediately to prepare for the next phase of this funding opportunity). The plan also includes engaging new community partners and conducting quarterly reviews to monitor impact and adapt activities. Our ambition extends beyond the school and therefore it is important to seek collaborations in the local community. We have started this through contacting local sports clubs initially to gauge needs and demand and using our School network to explore collaborations. Further to that, our next step is to approach local groups and engage our wider community network, such as our local Community Support Officer and Lifestyle clubs.
Roles and Responsibilities: Describe how responsibilities are shared among your team or partners.
I have written this as a RACI Project Plan to ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities. This will be further refined and progressed as the project moves ahead. Regular reviews, surveys, and partnership meetings ensure all stakeholders remain engaged, their roles clear, and the vision for an inclusive, sustainable MUGA realised. The Headteacher at Grange Primary will act as the Accountable lead, overseeing all aspects of the MUGA project, ensuring alignment with the school’s vision and managing relationships with funders. Governors are Consulted and Informed throughout, providing strategic direction, approving major decisions, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and financial viability. Teaching staff are Responsible for integrating the MUGA into the curriculum, supervising sessions, and gathering feedback from pupils. They contribute to monitoring outcomes and making recommendations for further improvement. Pupils and their families are both Responsible and Consulted, actively participating in activities, providing feedback, and helping to shape the project’s ongoing development. The School Business Manager is the Project Manager; Responsible for procurement, budget tracking, and coordinating with contractors to ensure timely and compliant delivery of the facility. Community partners—including local sports clubs, the PTFA, and organisations like Harrow School—are Consulted during planning and implementation, offering insights into community needs and supporting usage outside school hours. The local authority is Consulted and Informed for planning permissions, safeguarding, and accessibility requirements. Contractors hold Responsibility for construction and compliance under the project manager’s supervision.
Upcoming Milestones: Please provide an overview of the milestones that are required for your initiative to come to fruition/to grow.
Phase 1: Next stage of pitching If we successfully make it to the next stage, Grange Primary will finalise the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) design plan. We will ensure safeguarding, accessibility, and curriculum plans are included alongside viability research into local and community usage. Necessary planning and local authority approvals will be scoped out. Phase 2: Procurement and Contract Award If we are successful in securing funding then we will begin a competitive procurement process, led by the School Business Manager (after celebrating!). Our outcome is to appoint an experienced contractor. This adherence to process guarantees value for money, appropriate insurance, and ensures health and safety standards are met. Contracts will reflect transparency and responsible use of funding. Phase 3: Construction and Facility Delivery The MUGA will be constructed as an all-weather, multi-sport facility for both school and community use. Delivery will be scheduled to minimise disruption to the school and align with funding timelines. Progress will be tracked using KPIs, with evidence retained for reporting. Phase 4: Operational Readiness Prior to opening, usage policies, safeguarding procedures, and booking systems will be finalised, with staff and volunteers briefed on management. Community partners, including local sports clubs and organisations, will be consulted to ensure sustainable and inclusive use. Phase 5: Launch and Ongoing Engagement Once operational, the MUGA will be available for school and community groups. The school will track participation, well-being impact, and provide quarterly updates for funder monitoring, supporting long-term sustainability and community benefit. Monthly updates will be introduced initially to ensure optimisation of our plan at launch.
Capacity-Building Participation and Support Funding: If you were to make it as a finalist, you will be required to participate in an 8-week capacity building programme. If funding/ cost is a barrier to your participation, we may be able to offer up to 10,000 GBP of grant money available to support you. Please break down below, if it is the case, what costs you would incur and you would need covered. (Please note that there are restrictions on how the grant money may be used; please refer to the T&Cs for further details.
Marketing and Promotional Material – this would include an introduction leaflet with key information including key contacts, any costings and terms and conditions of use. This would be hard copy and e-format. Upskilling/training of volunteers and support staff – Ensure that teams facilitating the new resource are trained and supported in a positive way (first aid at work, equipment training, visiting coaches are qualified – offer training if needed, safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults) Technological Upskilling – Support for any equipment needed to facilitate the new resource. Barriers to Participation – may include transport, accessible formats of materials to ensure marginalised groups are included
