A school has created a reading pavilion and garden in memory of a “gifted” and dedicated dad and teacher.

Oliver 'Ollie' Slack passed away on February 25 2023, aged just 30, after being admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital in Gillingham with suspected meningitis.

He was later diagnosed with a sinus bacterial infection which travelled up to his brain.

Following his death, Deanwood Primary, where Ollie was assistant headteacher and English Lead, came together with other academies within The Howard Academy Trust to fundraise for one of Ollie’s long-term ambitions for the school — an outdoor reading library and garden.

His daughter Willow was on hand to cut the ribbon to open the reading pavilion, fittingly on World Book Day, held last Thursday (March 6).

Staff and children wore costumes of their favourite book characters and gathered to honour his legacy.

Head teacher Jane Wright said: “There’s a part of me that knows Mr Slack will be looking down on us all and smiling about the fact that we are opening the garden, and having pictures taken, whilst dressed in some absolutely fantastic costumes.”

Ollie left an enormous legacy across all the places he studied, taught, and lived.

The dad-of-two, teacher and football coach was born in Chatham and grew up in Walderslade with his parents Diana and Paul Slack, and his younger brother Connor.

He was a pupil at Maundene Primary School, which is where he met his inspiration, teacher Darren Callahan.

Ollie went on to study English and PE at Canterbury Christ Church University in 2010, and during his time there he would coach grassroots football teams with his father and brother.

After working at Cedar Children's Academy in Strood from 2013, Ollie started a new teaching job at Deanwood Primary in 2015 and had worked there ever since.

Speaking previously, head teacher, Mrs Wright said: “Mr Slack was a gifted teacher and leader. He was a kind and compassionate person who loved working at Deanwood and being part of the Deanwood school community.

“He was committed to ensuring that every child at Deanwood Primary School had the best possible education.”

Deanwood Primary is part of The Howard Academy Trust, which has pledged to maintain the pavilion and garden as a lasting tribute.

“The space will provide a place for reading, imagination, and storytelling, ensuring that Ollie Slack’s passion for learning continues to inspire future generations,” a spokesperson said.