What Is a Sensory Garden?
A sensory garden is an outdoor space designed to stimulate the senses — sight, sound, touch, smell and movement.
In a school setting, these spaces are used in a very practical way. They’re not just “nice to have” areas — they become part of how schools support learning, behaviour and wellbeing.
Many of the schools we work with use sensory gardens for:
- Supporting pupils with sensory processing needs
- Providing calm breakout spaces from the classroom
- Structured sensory sessions and interventions
- Encouraging outdoor exploration and engagement
How Sensory Gardens Support SEND Pupils
One of the main reasons schools invest in sensory gardens is to support SEND provision in a meaningful and practical way.
From our experience, these spaces are often used as:
Calm areas where pupils can regulate and reset
Safe breakout spaces during the school day
Nurture and intervention environments
Structured sensory learning zones
When designed properly, a sensory garden gives pupils a space where they feel more comfortable, more settled and more able to engage.
Guidance from organisations such as the Neuro Inclusive Education Network highlights the importance of sensory environments in supporting children’s development and wellbeing.
What Makes a Good Sensory Garden?
A successful sensory garden isn’t about adding lots of features — it’s about getting the balance right.
In consultation with schools, we always look at how the space will actually be used and design accordingly.
Typical elements include:
🌿 Planting and natural features
Fragrant plants, grasses and seasonal colour to create visual and sensory interest
✋ Textures and surfaces
Different materials underfoot and tactile elements to encourage interaction
🔊 Sound features
Subtle sound elements such as chimes or natural movement
🔄 Movement and interaction
Sensory panels, spinners and features that encourage engagement
🪑 Seating and quiet areas
Spaces for reflection, small group work or simply taking time out
In many cases, it’s the simpler, well-thought-out designs that work best. In the majority of cases, we will supply detailed designs and drawings which clearly lay out the vision of what is required.
“I just wanted to say how much we love our new sensory garden! So far, not only have two of our regular clubs started using it at lunchtimes but we have also had both Science and Design lessons outside. All the children are in and out at lunchtimes, keeping an eye on things, checking to see if there are any fish in the pond yet and the general consensus seems to be a big thumbs up! It’s a beautiful, sturdy, multi use area and I am sure that it will be with us for many years.”
Types of Sensory Garden Spaces
Every school is different, so sensory gardens can range from small focused areas to larger, fully developed environments. And of course, budget always plays a principal role too especially in these times when funding is tight.
Small Sensory Areas
Ideal where space and budget is limited — often used as quiet corners or breakout zones. Or suitable for our free-standing range of sensory based products – such as play panels, musical panels, planters etc
Full Sensory Gardens
Larger spaces with multiple zones, pathways and landscaping features that allow for a wide range of activities. These gardens tend to be for the bigger budgets.
Sensory Pathways
Structured routes with different textures and features that encourage movement and exploration.
Nurture & Inclusion Spaces
Designed specifically to support SEND pupils, often with a more enclosed or defined layout. These typically involve our outdoor classrooms and shelters which we adapt for sensory needs.
Sensory Garden Features & Equipment
We supply and install a wide range of features that can be incorporated into your sensory garden, including:
Sensory pathways and surfacing
Raised planting beds
Seating and outdoor classrooms
Water features
Sensory play, mirror and musical panels
Shelters and shaded areas in shaded colours
Low-maintenance recycled plastic elements such as planters and mud kitchens
Kinetic powered systems for lights, music and touch
Everything is selected and positioned to suit how your school will actually use the space.
How Much Does a Sensory Garden Cost?
Costs can vary depending on the size of the space and the level of development required.
As a general guide:
Small sensory areas: £5,000 – £15,000
Medium sensory spaces: £15,000 – £30,000
Larger bespoke sensory gardens: £30,000 – £60,000+
From experience, most schools start with a budget and we help design something that makes the best use of that investment.
Do Sensory Gardens Require Planning Permission?
In most cases, sensory gardens do not require planning permission, particularly when they involve landscaping, pathways and low-level features.
If you are including structures such as shelters or outdoor classrooms, there may be some considerations — but we can guide you through this and advise on what is likely to be required.
