Transform Schools

Project partners assist with sensory garden

Transform Schools and Balfour Beatty WorkPlace recently assisted St Timothy’s Primary School, Coatbridge with its ‘Garden Developments’ project for St Timothy’s Nursery, creating ‘learning zones’ in which the children could explore and investigate all year round. The aim was to design and develop a unique outdoor learning environment through collaborative working between Transform Schools, Haden, nursery staff, children and parents.

The key achievements

Children, staff and parents all made valuable contribution to the design and layout of the garden. Ideas became a reality during the summer break last year when the outdoor space was transformed into an inspirational learning environment for all to enjoy. ‘Learning zones’ consist of a mini jungle, a musical garden, a vegetable plot, a digging plot, a bridge, stepping stones, a sun dial and a log cabin. A wide range of plants, flowers and trees that light up the garden complement these areas.

Benefits

Originally the large grassy area had very limited use during heavy rain due to poor drainage. As the majority of the grass area was replaced by gravel, there has been a substantial drainage improvement allowing the children to access the whole garden in all weather conditions.

These new ‘learning zones’ provide areas for the children to be imaginative and explore the natural space outdoors. They have developed an appreciation of the environment around them as they have been involved in the creation, development and maintenance of the garden.

In the long term the garden will mature and develop and the children will be fully involved in the upkeep and future developments. As an all-weather area, it is now suitable for all occasions and celebrations e.g. fun days, open nights, community use, etc.

The future

In the future the school is hoping to raise funds and achieve grants so it can install further sheltered areas. This will allow the children to focus on tasks outdoors but remain protected from the wet.