School Sensory Garden Opened

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Local MP celebrates with children at Southfield Primary Children

Southfield Primary School celebrated the opening of its new Sensory Garden on Tuesday (July 10), with special guest local MP Angie Bray.

The Sensory Garden has been a collaboration between the Southfield Parent Staff Association (SPSA) and the school’s children, who gathered to formally open the garden.

The project was jointly funded by Ealing Council and the SPSA. Substantial work to establish the Sensory Garden was undertaken by Chiswick-based Wheelers Gardens who won the contract to design and build the garden.

Southfield Primary School was opened in 1906, is located in Bedford Park, Chiswick, and has over 450 children from diverse communities. With large grounds, the children and parents were keen to develop a green space for plants and insects to flourish. The Sensory Garden is being enjoyed by parents and children who use it to study different plants and “mini beasts”. Plans for a gardening club lead by the children are in progress, as requests grow for digging and planting.

Angie Bray MP with the Headteacher

Simon Prebble, Headteacher said; “We are really happy to have our new Sensory Garden and gazebo. It has already improved outdoor learning opportunities across the school and the children love using it at playtimes and lunchtimes. Some of our children don’t have gardens at home, so they are happy to get involved in the Sensory Garden and are passionate about plants and local wildlife. The planning and funding of the project was a great example of partnership working between the school, the SPSA and Ealing Council”.

Angie Bray MP added; “ This is a wonderful initiative. Giving children the chance to get close to nature, learning about growing plants and nurturing wildlife can only be a positive experience for them. I am sure they will love spending time in the Sensory Garden”.  

July 10, 2012