Sensory Garden Makeover at Knutsford Primary School

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Earlier this year we were approached by the head of this primary school in Watford. He was looking at developing an existing under-used playground space into an outdoor learning facility for children aged 3-7. Some of these children have ADHD and who are non-verbal and therefore require sensory feedback so this had to be very much taken into consideration with our overall design and proposals. Some of these children for example don’t wear shoes so textured flooring was on the wish list. The head was very adamant that they wanted to create a calm, relaxing and inspiring space which has a naturalised look and feel to it and definitely not a traditional play space with brightly coloured play equipment.

The area had to ensure that the children were to be on a journey which takes them through all of the senses and which provides a safe space for them to explore.

We therefore put together some designs within the budget allocated which included the following:

  1. Multi surfaces including all weather play grass, resin bound mulch and a barefoot sensory path
  2. Sensory timber tunnel pergola
  3. Growing planter beds
  4. Mirror reflection posts
  5. Mixed sensory planting including grasses
  6. Outdoor musical equipment
  7. Stainless solar sphere water feature including timber pedestal
  8. Colourful retreat arbour
  9. Buddy bench corner and sensory tree bench
  10. Sensory materials kitchen and storage unit
  11. Rustic timber shade canopy
  12. Textile weaving panel

This is how the playground looked before we started

The work began over the summer holidays and was completed by the time the children returned for the Autumn term in September.

And this is now how it looks

 

The head is delighted with the project as per comments below:

“We are really pleased with the install; it certainly has had a massive impact already on the environment and how my teachers are utilising the space for learning.

Thank you for your design and vision to be able to support us in creating it. You are more than welcome to visit whenever you are near!”

If you are thinking of having a sensory garden or sensory area at your school, please contact us on 01832 275902 or email info@hideouthouse.com