PLATFORM_, investor, developer, operator and asset manager of purpose-built residential communities throughout the UK, are known for their mission of creating expertly designed rental homes with seamless living experiences. On 27 October 2025,  as part of their Nurturing Neighbourhoods strategy, they took part in our Community Programme, with brushes and rollers in hand as part of a painting refresh at a local primary school.

The 23-strong employee volunteer team, based across different departments in its Marble Arch House headquarters,  worked together to transform Essendine Primary School ahead of pupils and teachers’ return from half term.

Volunteers helped rejuvenate school corridors and assembly halls across three floors.

The school occupies a large, striking Victorian building, however, upkeep of its facilities is a huge undertaking. Like most primary schools in Westminster, it is experiencing falling pupil numbers which has a significant impact on funding available, and the ability to maintain and care for such a large site.

Volunteers began by sprucing up the corridors outside reception, the main throughfare used by pupils upon entering the school grounds. The brick walls were given a lick of new white paint and the skirting boards a coat of black gloss, all helping give the school a more welcoming appearance.

Volunteers diligently prepared the working surfaces by sanding imperfections and removing old paint from the walls with scrapers, before applying the new coat.

Next, volunteers split into sub teams to liven up its three assembly halls – multi-purpose space used by classes of pupils for everything from indoor sports to school plays, as well as school assemblies.

Let’s roll! Volunteers helped paint three assembly halls, a reception area and two toilet blocks.

Finally, volunteers gave a painting refresh to the first-floor staff and pupil toilet blocks to cap a thoroughly productive and enjoyable session.

This volunteering day ties into PLATFORM_’s Nurturing Neighbourhoods initiative, within which one of the key pillars is supporting local charities and businesses and enhancing shared spaces. Their hands-on help at Essendine Primary School is a brilliant example of that in action.

Huge thanks to the employee volunteer team at PLATFORM_ for their commitment and enthusiasm as part of this activity.

Volunteers worked together to freshen up drab school walls.

23 volunteers painted school walls during the half term break.

Volunteers celebrate completing their team painting challenge.