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Caretaker turns school into a winter wonderland

Louise ParryDunstable
News imageNicola Haseler/BBC Jason smiles at the camera while standing below a wooden arch with a handmade sign saying "Christmas Wonderland". He wears a red and white Santa hat and a black airtex T-shirt with the academy's golden logo on. Fairy lights wind up the archway.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Jason Smart won an award for his handiwork at St Augustine's School

A school said its caretaker has brought delight to pupils after building by hand an on-site Christmas wonderland.

Jason Smart, 34, qualified as a bricklayer and worked at B&Q before returning to work at St Augustine's Academy in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, where he was formerly a pupil.

Mr Smart also converted a bus into an outdoor classroom and built an extensive forest school area, the school added.

"We've been able to do many things here that many schools wouldn't, because Jason's got skills and talent," said head teacher Amanda Howes.

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC Adults and children stand next to one of the sections which has tables covered in red cloths and winter scenes, including a train. Behind it is a snowy scene with fir trees and snow, and next to it is a large inflatable snowman and Pinocchio.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Jason built the school's wonderland after the pandemic to help lift people's spirits

Mr Smart said: "I've always enjoyed being hands-on, being creative, getting stuck in.

"When you say you're a caretaker or site manager, people think you just open the school, you close the school and keep it clean and that's it.

"But here especially, we go so far beyond that. We try to do everything in-house – our contractor list is very small."

She said Mr Smart had "untapped potential" and the school had been able "to utilise that" and supported him to train as an electrician.

He won the Estates Management of the Year at the National Schools Awards in 2024.

News imageSt Augustine's Academy A composite image showing the bus with blue seats, before it was converted. In the middle photo a group of four children wearing purple jumpers sit on blue stools listening to a teacher. A large computer or TV screen is behind him. The third photo shows a longer view of the empty bus, with the stools lined up neatly and a table on the right.St Augustine's Academy
The converted bus allows 30 children to do group work and music lessons
News imageSt Augustines Academy A bright yellow bus parked on the school playground, with three people standing in front. They are, from left to right, Amanda Howes, Steve Mead and Jason Smart. They are all smiling at the camera.St Augustines Academy
Head teacher Amanda Howes has worked with business manager Steve Mead and site manager Jason Smart to transform the school

Ms Howes said the idea for forest school came during the pandemic.

"We realised that being outside was so important for the health and wellbeing of children and staff.

"Jason ran electrics and water down there, built a bird hide, a bug hotel and a welly shed."

Thanks to funding from various organisations, they created "a wonderful space" with 50 trees and a lectern for outdoor worship.

"It's a wonderful legacy – it will be there for generations to come," she said.

News imageSt Augustine's Academy Wooden logs arranged in a circle around bark chippings, next to some trees and an outdoor information board about Forest School. St Augustine's Academy
Forest school became a priority after the pandemic

The team includes business manager Steve Mead, a former site manager and shop-fitter.

Ms Howes said: "They also refitted the kitchen during the summer holiday so it was ready for the children's return in September.

"It was refurbished with a new floor, wall coverings, a rewire – it would have cost the school thousands to have in contractors."

Mr Smart said: "Some of the best plans and ideas create themselves – the situation arises and we work out the best way to deal with it."

When asked how he felt about working at the primary school he attended as a child, Mr Smart said: "I can't say it was on my radar, but these things happen and they work out for the best."

News imageSt Augustine's Academy A white room with silver metal rails on both sides. On the left are hooks with loads of pairs of purple wellies, and on the right side are purple raincoats.St Augustine's Academy
The welly shed means children can go outdoors in all weathers, thanks to a grant

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