Fernham Homes and Newington Primary School recently came together to open the dedicated new staff and parent drop-off car park as part of its development on School Lane.

A welcomed new facility requested by the community, the new car park improves safety and accessibility to the primary school with 20 spaces for staff and a further 20 to accommodate pupil drop-off and collection. It also includes a dedicated eco-path allowing pupils to walk directly onto school grounds.

Officially opened by pupil parliamentarians, with Chris Loughead at Fernham Homes; parents, students, school faculty members and the surrounding neighbourhood are already enjoying the benefits.

Commenting on the new facility, Tara Deevoy, executive headteacher at Newington Primary School, said:

“Access and parking, particularly for successful schools like Newington, is a common challenge. The new facility has already made the road outside the school safer. It’s also led to fewer cars blocking local roads and a reduced number of idling cars for improved air quality. Pupils are enjoying the sense of independence it brings, being able to walk straight onto the school grounds allowing for parents to drop and go.

“Working with the developers on the design and planting for this area is the culmination of ongoing efforts to secure sufficient, safe parking for the school community, whilst still encouraging walking whenever possible and minimising our impact on the environment.”

Sean Ellis, Managing Director at Fernham Homes, added:

“We have worked closely with Newington Primary School to deliver a facility that not only improves safety and access for families but also supports the school’s environmental goals. This car park is a great example of how thoughtful design and collaboration can bring lasting benefits to the wider community.”

The car park is part of Fernham Homes’ Newington development of 15 homes, one of its growing portfolios of thoughtful, community-focused developments across Kent.