Life Skills SEND students create a Sensory Garden

Life Skills - SEND students create a Sensory Garden

Date: 31 May 2022

Our Life Skills – SEND students at East Surrey College got their hands dirty last week whilst creating a sensory garden at our south campus with the help of Alan Knight, treasurer of the Rotary Club. Students were offered the opportunity to assist with planting fruit, vegetables, flowers and more in aid to improve their soft skills and learn more about nature and wildlife.

Life Skills - SEND students moving soil in a flowerbed

Students had to work together during the two-hour period to make sure all elements of the garden were completed. Carla Rose, Life Skills Senior Lecturer added:

“We are over the moon to be making the most out of our wonderful garden space! We are full of positive anticipation for the creations that will grow from this project. Learners are thriving from so much ‘Naturalist’ intelligence.”

This incredible opportunity allows students to further learn and develop their team working, openness to feedback, actively listening, work ethic and adaptability skills. Aside from the team-building exercise, students thoroughly enjoyed being one with nature and learning about the life cycle of plants. Life Skills – SEND Entry Level 3 student, Molly commented:

“It was nice to get a bit of fresh air. Nice environment, hopefully people will come out and enjoy it and use some of the food for cooking. Nice area to relax in.”

Student Molly and Zara planting flowers with Alan Knight

Students also used the book ‘Allotment, month by month’ to assist with planting and learn tips and tricks on how to have a successful garden. Information included the best times to plant vegetables, pick them and eat them! Students worked in two teams, one group unloaded the tools, whilst the other group helped with de-weeding and planting.

Kira Brabenec, Curriculum Manager – SEND, commented:

“We are delighted to be working with the local Rotary Club and are so pleased with the contributions they have made. This has ranged from plant and growing knowledge to the offer of plants, seeds, and tools. We are looking to develop this partnership further. Thank you to Alan Knight from Rotary.”