It has been more than a year in the making, fundraisers from across the borough have wanted to get on board and now the children of Grangewood School have set foot in their new sensory garden.
The garden at the school in Fore Street, Eastcote, is split into three areas. The first is a patio with raised beds full of interestingly textured and coloured plants for the children to enjoy touching, seeing, smelling and even tasting.
Pupils can also explore an interactive water area with fun new equipment and flowing fountain features and a lawn which includes a soft play area and a bed swing so that children of all abilities can play together.
The charity Friends of Grangewood has raised a huge amount of money to go towards the sensory garden, including a sponsored Bike Ride last summer, organised by Ruislip Manor pub JJ Moons and started by Hillingdon's Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker.
Head of Grangewood School, Hilary McDermott, said: “We are delighted with our new Sensory Garden, which really is at the heart of the school.
“It has provided a much-needed play and sensory space for our pupils, and it's a pleasure to see classes already enjoying the water equipment, relaxing on the lawn and exploring the plants.”
Staff at the school for children with learning and physical disabilities, organised a Bingo Night for teachers and friends and donations were made by the school's sponsors including Ickenham group Butterflies, which raises money for local children’s charities, by holding occasional table top sales and coffee mornings in Ickenham Village Hall in Swakeleys Road.
Lisa Hatcher, head of family services at the school said: “We want to say thank you to all of our sponsors for helping us raise the money for this fantastic project - it was lovely to have so many at our Opening and we are grateful for the ongoing support.”
