Creating a rainbow of opportunity at Perrymount Primary

Forest Hill pupils with additional needs now have a revamped classroom thanks to the support of L&Q, one of the UK’s leading housing associations and developers, Magic Breakfast and partners.

The classroom, now called the Rainbow Room, has been designed for Perrymount Primary School children who find mainstream classrooms more challenging, giving them a safe and nurturing place to learn, grow and feel included.

The makeover was a true community effort with support from charity Magic Breakfast and L&Q’s Foundation, its social value arm.

Volunteers worked side by side with the school, supported by Amber Construction, Axis and a group of six apprentices who are just starting out their careers. Together, they transformed the classroom into a colourful but calming space.

A spokesperson at Perrymount Primary, said:

“On behalf of our school community, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to all our partners who have supported the creation of the Rainbow Room, a dedicated space for children who face challenges integrating into mainstream classrooms due to sensory and cognitive differences.

“This nurturing environment is already making a profound difference, enabling children to develop vital survival language skills, strengthen social communication, and access an inclusive, neurodivergent pathway towards mainstream education.”

The makeover was delivered in partnership with Magic Breakfast, a charity that works with schools across the UK to make sure no child is too hungry to learn.

Alongside providing healthy breakfasts, they also help schools create warm, welcoming environments where children can thrive.

Gabriela Petrova, Volunteering Executive at Magic Breakfast, added:

“Magic Breakfast are so grateful to be working with L&Q. Their passion for supporting the local community shines through in everything they do, and it has been such a joy to work with them over the last few months.

“They have created absolute magic at the school where they recently completed a Magic Makeover. We are so grateful, over half of the schools we work with across the country say that they need support with creating welcoming and inclusive spaces for their students, so L&Q have created a truly vital impact here. I have no doubts that when we collaborate again on future projects, it will be just as meaningful and valuable for our school communities and the children and young people we’re all here for.”

Natalie Playfair, Community Development Lead at L&Q, said:

“It was a pleasure to help coordinate the Magic Makeover for Perrymount school. This initiative showcased the power of collaborating across our supply chain partners, all coming together to support the community and the young Axis apprentices who generously volunteered their time. Schools are a cornerstone of the communities we invest in, and I look forward to the future opportunities for co-creation and impact.”