July 24, 2019, Sheffield Star: Sheffield school opens sensory garden to create 'tranquilenvironment' for SEN children A Sheffield school has opened a sensory garden to create a ‘tranquil environment’ for children with special educational needs. https://www.thestar.co.uk/education/sheffield-school-opens-sensory-garden-to-create-tranquil-environment-for-sen-children-486675 Ecclesfield Primary School applied for funding to help overhaul the outdoor space through a Santander Discovery Days initiative last summer. However since June, when staff were told they had been successful in their bid, it has been all systems go to provide a space to support those children who struggle to manage a full day in the classroom. The garden is an extension of the school’s nurture provision, which works with vulnerable or disadvantaged children, and those who have safeguarding or mental health issues which require bespoke pastoral care. Lauren Stevenson, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at Ecclesfield Primary School, said: “The children will be able to use the garden at set times. This is normally around transition times such as in the morning when they come to school or after lunch time when they need that tranquil environment and calm down time. It will support the children with their emotional regulation.”… Mrs Stevenson added: “I also lead a nurture classroom within school for children with social, emotional and mental health difficulties and the pupils have been designing and making things for the garden.”…
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