Valley School is a primary special school for pupils aged between two and 11 years, who have a range of complex and severe learning difficulties. The school received £900 from Redrow to create a calming and therapeutic garden for students to promote emotional wellbeing.
Nicky Rawcliffe, secretary of the school’s PTA, said: “The garden will be in memory of a past pupil and other students we’ve sadly lost. Our whole school community has been affected by the losses, so this means a lot. It will feature sensory-rich plants, tactile pathways, and interactive elements to encourage exploration and relaxation.
"The idea for the memory garden was inspired by a generous donation from one of our families, made in loving memory of their son, who sadly passed away and Redrow’s donation has meant we can make our vision a reality and provide a meaningful, lasting resource for our students.”
The school’s small community of special needs pupils and their families use the grounds at weekends as they can use the school’s specialist play equipment in a safe, enclosed environment and the sensory garden will be something else they will be able to access.
Anna Evans-Kerr, sales director at Redrow NW, said: “The sensory memory garden will provide a calm environment for pupils, families and staff to enjoy while also having the lovely reminder pupils who are no longer here. I’m really pleased our community fund could help to make this happen.”
Occupying the former Woodford Aerodrome site, Redrow’s development is situated on the border of Greater Manchester and Cheshire East and offers a readymade community with a host of amenities on the doorstep, including its own pub and a primary school, plus a wealth of green spaces and play areas, parks and meadow areas.