Students build a tranquil garden for their school!

Full Circle Education have built a tranquil garden in their grounds for the students to go to if they’re ever feeling down or nervous and need to calm down. They used a Leader Award Grant from the Jack Petchey Foundation to buy the equipment to build this peaceful space.

Full Circle Education is a small charity-run ‘alternative’ short-stay school with a child-centred therapeutic focus, with a timetable that balances routine with creativity. There is a focus on developing the students’ Maths and English skill as many of the young people struggle with reading and writing as well as mathematics. Alongside their academic education, the young people are also encouraged to explore emotions, feelings and communication.

The school wanted to support the young people by creating a space to visit whenever they felt anxious or angry. Therefore, they put their Small Leader Award from the Jack Petchey Foundation towards a new, tranquil space in the school. They built a Therapeutic Garden for the children to visit whenever they need a quiet moment to themselves.

The money was used to buy many different things to add to the garden including a picnic bench, mini greenhouse, fruit trees and bean bags. Each of the pieces were put together to make a calm, peaceful area, open to all students to visit whenever they need a moment.

The staff at Full Circle Education have noticed the positive impact this space has had on the young people already. Many of the students have mild learning difficulties so having this designated space has allowed them to face their frustrations and go somewhere if they’re feeling worried.

The students all worked together to build the garden. They built a small pond and helped to plant lots of plants for their vegetable patch and around the space. Despite the different weather conditions, the students managed to stay dedicated to working together and putting effort into finishing the garden.

As well as being a safe space for everyone, they have also been able to use the space for different events. It played host to the Year 11’s leavers assembly and a recent summer BBQ for the younger students too. The school has plans to have classes in the garden in the future, so the students can learn in a different environment. It has the potential of helping students for years to come!