Astley has welcomed students from Harlow Green Primary School for a factory tour following the competition to design new school play zone signs
Gateshead-based sign manufacturer Astley has hosted pupils from Harlow Green Primary School at its main production facility on the Team Valley Industrial Estate. The factory tour and certificate presentation followed a creative competition that invited students to design vibrant graphic signage for nine designated outdoor play zones across the school’s grounds.
This initiative marks the second collaboration between the signage supplier and the local primary school, following a successful road safety sign design contest earlier in the year. The latest project required students to create visual identifiers for specific activity areas, including a reading gazebo, a construction zone and a traditional sports area. The winning designs, selected by the company’s board of directors, will now be manufactured and installed at the school to encourage active and inclusive play.
James Mavi, Managing Director of Astley, said, ‘It was another incredibly difficult decision for the Board, as we received so many fantastic entries from talented students across all year groups. Our team thoroughly enjoyed reviewing the designs and welcoming the students to our facility, giving them an insight into what we do and the range of careers available within our industry’. Mavi added that the production team is now preparing to bring the winning concepts to life on the factory floor ahead of the final installation.
During the facility visit, the children participated in interactive manufacturing activities, including a practical coaster-making session and a visual search challenge. Leighanne Softley, Assistant Head at Harlow Green Primary School, said, ‘Our staff also commented on how welcoming and friendly everyone was throughout the visit and particularly valued the way Astley staff linked activities to future careers and opportunities. It was an engaging and inspiring experience for the children’.
The community partnership will extend into the summer, with several members of the Astley workforce scheduled to visit the school to undertake voluntary work. Utilising the company’s paid volunteer day scheme, the team will work alongside staff and pupils to enhance the outdoor learning environment at Harlow Green’s Forest School.