Inspirational Case Study - Bents Green School
Through a vote of democracy within their team, the students from Bents Green decided to create a mindfulness garden in the school grounds to support emotional wellbeing. This was made achievable by asking for the permission of the headteacher and groundskeepers. Once a plot was agreed with the buildings manager, the team split into smaller groups to focus on the flowers, crafts, communications and photography, and up-cycling.
To achieve donations of flowers, benches, and other garden equipment, the team wrote letters to school staff and local garden centres/DIY stores.
On National Children’s Day, the team presented in assembly to advertise their project and make fellow students and staff aware that the garden is open to their use as a calm, reflective space.
The team calculated the value of the work they put into the garden based on the National Minimum Wage for their ages and also successfully remained within the £25 loan budget to purchase equipment and decorations for the garden on top of the generous donations received.
Through a vote of democracy within their team, the students from Bents Green decided to create a mindfulness garden in the school grounds to support emotional wellbeing. This was made achievable by asking for the permission of the headteacher and groundskeepers. Once a plot was agreed with the buildings manager, the team split into smaller groups to focus on the flowers, crafts, communications and photography, and up-cycling.
To achieve donations of flowers, benches, and other garden equipment, the team wrote letters to school staff and local garden centres/DIY stores.
On National Children’s Day, the team presented in assembly to advertise their project and make fellow students and staff aware that the garden is open to their use as a calm, reflective space.
The team calculated the value of the work they put into the garden based on the National Minimum Wage for their ages and also successfully remained within the £25 loan budget to purchase equipment and decorations for the garden on top of the generous donations received.
“We have discovered that working on the garden is actually the mindful, therapeutic part rather than just sitting in it. It’s still work in progress – lots more to do – but that’s not a bad thing!”