Shireland CBSO Academy has unveiled its new serenity garden, developed and led by the school’s Inclusion department, following a £5,000 grant from the Sheila Coates Foundation.
The outdoor space features sensory planting and quiet seating areas, creating an environment where students can reflect, connect with nature and enjoy moments of calm throughout the school day. The garden was designed collaboratively by students and staff to ensure it meets the needs of the school community.
The funding was awarded by the Sheila Coates Foundation, an independent charity founded in 2020 to advance the education and mental health of children and young people in England with autism and other additional needs. The foundation supports projects that encourage secondary schools and colleges to think creatively and deliver initiatives that go above and beyond existing provision.
Principal, David Green, commented: “We recognise that students are shaped not only by what they learn in the classroom, but by how they experience the school day as a whole.
“By creating a space that feels calm, purposeful and welcoming, we are giving our students another way to engage with their learning and wider school life. It’s a thoughtful addition to our provision and one that will be used in meaningful ways every day.”
The serenity garden will also form a permanent part of Shireland CBSO Academy’s Inclusion provision, supporting students to excel, achieve and flourish as young individuals.
