Project Garden
Where am I ? / Project Garden
The redevelopment of Swainswick Primary School’s grounds is an ongoing project, with the objective of creating a landscape that facilitates creative play, is ecologically friendly and allows pupils ‘a place to be’ as well as a ‘place to learn’. The children, staff , and parents were involved throughout the development process, with the children helping to construct and design key aspects of the current site.
Phase I was the creation of the Fleur de Lys Garden which incorporated a storytelling chair, a living willow structure and a herb garden. The children’s play has been positively changed when using this area as the children have areas to play, explore, construct and use their imagination and creativity to engage and experience a new type of natural environment throughout the year.
Phase 2 was the development of a plan to extend the outdoor play and learning throughout the year across the entire school grounds. This included delivering more space for play and increased physical activity, an orchard, an outdoor classroom, outdoor spaces for use in class time, seating to stimulate social interaction, a water-pump, a shaded terraced area and a sandpit. The success of this plan was in the strength of collaboration involved.
We were awarded, a BANES Seed Capital Grant for matched funding of £15,000, and the parents and local community generously worked together to raise the funds which were needed.
For more details and possible other projects, please Click Here for the latest Friends of Swainswick Newsletter
Any other fundraising suggestions, our fundraising co-ordinators, Emelia Sowels (for parents and community) and Tara Kelsall (for staff and children), would love to know !