Highfield Littleport Academy has opened a brand-new sensory garden, providing pupils with a place to learn and relax, following a generous £9,760 donation from St James’s Place Charitable Foundation.
Following the donation, Natalie Pearce and Mary Gambrill, both dedicated Teaching Assistants at the academy in Littleport, near Ely, worked tirelessly throughout the lockdown period to prepare the sensory raised beds, clear the space of weeds, and coordinate contractors to complete the project.
The outdoor space was transformed thanks to kind-hearted support from Ely based, Daniel Bonnett and his team at DK Patio’s and Fencing.
The academy, which is part of the Active Learning Trust, is a special educational needs (SEN) provision school for students with specific needs.
Head of School, Yvonne Skillern, said: “We are thrilled to have opened our well needed, brand new sensory garden which will give our pupils here a safe, secure and stimulating place to learn.
“At Highfield Littleport Academy our aim is to provide an energising environment where learners are confident, happy and achieve to the best of their ability. Our pupils now have access to a sensory garden that is carefully designed to engage and develop children and support their learning.
“Daniel Bonnett and his team at DK Patio’s and Fencing did a superb job and completed the work through wind and rain. They truly saved the day!”
The sensory garden comes complete with musical instruments and a walkway comprising of different textiles such as brick, rubber, grass and timber.
CEO of the Active Learning Trust, Stephen Chamberlain, said: “We wanted a sensory garden that was more than just an aesthetic feature and we’ve certainly achieved that. There’s no doubt it will make a huge difference to the pupils here and ensure a calm and purposeful learning environment.
“We are so thankful we can finally get the pupils in to benefit from the immense learning opportunities it has to offer. A huge thanks to all of the staff, contractors and volunteers who made this project possible.”
The application for funding was kindly completed by volunteers Jo and Andrew Pearson who have also supported the academy in various other projects.
Formed in 1992, the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation has been supporting those in need and making a positive and lasting difference to people’s lives. The Foundation supports organisations by awarding grants to assist them with the incredible work they do every day. So far, the charity has raised and distributed £100 million.
To find out more about Highfield Littleport Academy, visit: www.highfieldlittleport.org/
Press release from Highfields Littleport Academy
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