In recognition of the impacts of Covid on children’s mental health, Trustees supported the initiative by Ridgeway Primary Academy and Great Bowden Academy to create a sensory garden at each school. The gardens will offer a calm space for pupils and provide an outdoor learning space. Trustees were pleased to see the fund raising already underway and awarded a grant of £5,000, to be split between the two schools (Spring 2023).
The Sensory Garden at Ridgeway Primary Academy was completed in June 2023, and has been in near-daily use by the pupils and staff. It is a versatile space for the children to enjoy, play, draw, collect materials for lessons, listen to stories, and help with the care of the plants. The school was awarded the title of ‘Best Ornamental School Garden’ by East Midlands in Bloom in 2023.