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Sensory garden lifeline for struggling students
A newly developed sensory garden at Droitwich Spa High School is offering students a calming, nature-rich space to support their mental health and re-engage with learning.
Designed and built with input from students themselves, the garden is the latest addition to The Link - a dedicated facility created to support young people struggling with anxiety and school avoidance.
The garden features a range of sensory elements including swinging and egg chairs, a tranquil water feature, and large pots of herbs to stimulate the senses. A geodome, positioned among the trees provides a year-round retreat, complete with twinkling lights for darker days.
The space also encourages biodiversity, with bird feeders, bird bath and plans for a wildflower garden to bloom over the coming year. Students helped build the garden furniture and chose the features, creating a space that is both beautiful and therapeutic.
Funding for the garden came from a Wychavon Social Mobility Grant and a Worcestershire County Council’s Public Health grant.
Kim Jones, the school’s Co-ordinator for Vulnerable Learners who has led The Link project, expressed her thanks to Co-Headteachers Gemma Lloyd Davies and Claire Moss for their support for the project.
She said: “Like many schools since the pandemic, we’ve seen anxiety and school avoidance reach unprecedented levels. We knew we had to re-engage students struggling with their mental health and create an intervention that offered a clear, supportive pathway back into education.”
The garden complements The Link, a pioneering initiative launched in response to the growing mental health challenges faced by students post-pandemic. Housed in a repurposed caretaker’s bungalow, The Link offers a nurturing, alternative environment with three colour-themed zones that maintain a sense of school identity.
Through consultation and observation, the school identified key barriers to attendance, including sensory overload, fear of academic failure, and separation anxiety. The Link addresses these by offering a smaller, more supportive setting.
This year, The Link supported 20 students, including seven in Year 11. All sat exams in English, Maths and Science, with some also completing qualifications in Art, Child Development, and Health and Social Care.
Councillor Richard Morris, Leader of Wychavon, said: “It is really impressive to see how some simple but fundamental adjustments to the learning environment for these students can make such a positive impact and I’m delighted that Wychavon has been able to play a part in helping that process. My appreciation to Kim Jones, the students and all involved for what they have achieved and for inviting us to see the garden.”
Councillor Satinder Bell, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Worcestershire County Council said: “The Link is a shining example of how thoughtful, student-led design can transform wellbeing and educational outcomes. By creating spaces that nurture mental health, psychological wellbeing and offer a sense of belonging, we’re helping young people rediscover their confidence and reconnect with learning. I’m proud that our Worcestershire County Council Public Health grant programme could support such a meaningful initiative.”
Students have praised the impact. Amber, who helped with the garden, said: “It’s helped me with my studies and made me more comfortable talking to new people.” Tamsin added: “The Link is a home where everyone is accepted and understood. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
To apply for a Wychavon Social Mobility Grant, visit: www.wychavon.gov.uk/community-and-living/social-mobility.
To apply for a Worcestershire County Council Public Health Grant go to www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/health-and-wellbeing/healthy-children-and-young-people/wellbeing-grants-educational