My nephew George attended Thomas Wolsey School which offers a specialist education provision for children with severe and complex physical and learning disabilities, medical needs and sensory impairment.  Their mission is to create an environment where every child learns to be as independent as possible, and achieves their full potential, no matter what their disability.

 

 

 

My sister (George's mum) says "when George died unexpectedly in March 2012 we, his family, wanted to give something back to the fantastic Thomas Wolsey School that supported George's needs so well. It seemed very apt to create a sensory outdoor classroom for George's classmates to remember him by”. ‘George’s Garden’ will allow wheelchair access directly outside from the classroom, shelter from wind and rain, and many sensory elements to provide stimulation and pleasure for children with complex disabilities. 

 

 

 

George's classmates experience the world almost entirely through sensations - sound, touch, smell. Because of their physical disabilities their lives are very restricted and just getting the class out of the classroom and onto the field or playground can be a major undertaking, so much of their day is spent indoors. 

 

 

 

In addition, they will replce an entire outside classroom wall with large folding doors, which can be opened right up allowing really easy access to get the children outside every day.  Even in bad weather the door can be pulled back, bringing fresh air and the sounds of the outside world into the classroom.  In better weather the pupils can easily be taken outside to enjoy the sunlight, breeze and birdsong in the new garden.  With sensory planting for touch and smell, a water feature for sound and touch, wind chimes for sound and movement, soft flooring so they can be taken out of their chairs, and other features, George’s Garden will greatly improve the quality of life during the school day.

 

 

 

The architect's final estimate for the work is around £20-25,000 and staff, pupils, family and friends are now working very hard to try and raise the much needed funding for this project.

 

 

Your efforts in riding or helping on George’s Memorial Bike Ride would be very much appreciated by the current and future pupils of Thomas Wolsey school and will go a long way to help create George’s Garden. Sponsor forms will be available shortly