A PRIMARY school has unveiled its new sensory garden, which aims to encourage pupils' learning and outdoor skills.
Colnbrook Church of England Primary School, on the High Street, Colnbrook, officially opened its new sensory garden to students, staff and visitors on Monday, March 28.
The space was built by the Heathrow Community Rangers, a group which gets involved in school projects that enhances the students learning.
The group, Georgie Machan, Ali White and Steven Gray, completed the garden in three weeks.
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Georgie said: “Everything we’ve planted within the garden is sensory, so colour, smell, texture and it's a visual impact for the children to enjoy.
"It will considerably benefit the children because prior to now, this was a bit of a wasted area, and it’s now a completed project and the children can instantly come in here now, do story time, look after what’s been planted, watch it grow to enhance their own development."
The garden features dogwood, lavender, rosemary, a water feature, rosemary, daffodils, hebe, ornamental grasses and a woodland area with pachysandra.
And there’s a wooden chair, which has the wording ‘Once Upon A Time’ on it, for teachers to use for storytime sessions.
Georgie added: “The garden has already been used and the children have been taking their shoes and socks off to feel the grass on their feet during storytelling time.
"It’s overwhelming for us because this is exactly what we wanted to see and the children will benefit from this hugely.”
Headteacher Tom Brunson said: “Now more than ever, teaching children to look after our environment and care for the planet is essential.
“We are enormously grateful to Heathrow as without them the project would not have been possible.”
The official opening was well attended by staff, students, governors and parents, who all celebrated with tea and cake.
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Chris Spencer, CEO of The Slough and East Berkshire Multi Academy Trust, also attended the opening.
He said: “It’s a great addition for the children in terms of giving them somewhere new to explore and to come and sit and enjoy their time at school peacefully.
“It gives them a chance to talk about environmental issues, which children actually seem to be interested in, and pupils come to school with all sorts of anxieties so to have somewhere like this for them can be quite calming.”
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