A Wellbeing Garden, created for pupils and staff at Danesfield School, Williton, has been officially opened by Jane Warmington from Somerset Gardens Trust. Children from Key Stages 2 and 3 gardening clubs watched as Jane used a pair of garden shears to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony.
A spokesperson for the school said, "The garden has been largely designed and created with enthusiasm and energy by the club members. Funding was provided by Opportunities Area Wellbeing Fund and Somerset Gardens Trust and willing adult hands from the school and wider community included Sue Burt, Nicky Cottrell and Bernard Webber.”
The aim of the project was to create a sense of wellbeing for pupils by establishing an area of peace and tranquillity within the school grounds which pupils can visit and enjoy. Many of the suggestions for the design and location came from the children and were incorporated into the project.
The space created contains: a lavender pathway, a bug hotel, a willow arch, some fruit trees, a garden bench, a bird bath and feeders and a herb garden as well as shrubs and a rockery.
The finished garden provides a quiet and peaceful haven away from the busyness of school life where pupils can spend time in reflection and contemplation.
Danesfield School is also celebrating their recent extremely positive SIAMS Report. Headteacher David McGrath, said, “This wonderful report reflects the many real strengths of our school and clearly acknowledges that we are living up to our foundation as a church school, enabling all to flourish.”
He added that the report is a real boost to the school family. “It was lovely to read the very encouraging comments throughout the report. The celebrations of success are a real foundation for the strong community that we are building. It mirrors the upward trend recently seen by Ofsted and the wider community, citing the positive impact of personal development on the learning of our pupils.’
The report also commented on how well staff welcome and nurture pupils as gifts to the school resulting in a focused and cohesive community and praises the vibrant collective worships. It noted that in line with their vision, Beacon Education leaders provide well-informed and sensitive support to the school. The report comments that, “The pupils flourish by taking advantage of the many leadership opportunities offered to them.”