Children at the Pre-Prep celebrate the opening of their new Sensory Garden

At the Pre-Prep the outdoor environment is used as an extension of the classroom environment; teaching and learning happen both in and out of doors throughout the day. The Sensory Garden will enhance the outdoor environment and create opportunities for all year groups to explore different aspects of the curriculum. It has been especially designed with scented plants and musical instruments to encourage the children to use all their senses.

Speaking about the benefits of the Sensory Garden, Head Ms Jayne Gilbert said:

“The sensory garden has created a wonderful environment for the children to interact with, it encourages the children to slow down and look around.   It is also a beautiful place to go for thinking time, a place to reflect, relax and contemplate in. It’s restful which is very important for emotional wellbeing.  The colours, art work, planting and shapes create a wonderful visual environment.  The water feature immediately attracts young children and the giant spheres encourage the children to look at their own reflection and the environment around them.  Plants have been carefully researched and chosen.  Moving air generates a soothing sound through the bamboos and grasses blending perfectly with the tuned chime bars.  Chocolate smelling cosmos encourages the children to use their sense of smell.  Touch is encouraged through the planting of a variety of plants with different textures.”

Special thanks go to parents, the Ladies’ and Fathers’ Committee and King Edward’s Operations team who all helped translate the children’s ideas for the sensory garden into such a beautiful reality.