We hope to use the outdoor garden for Support for learning pupils who, due to their complex needs cannot access other secure outdoor spaces in the community, such as Baxter Park which we often use with our other young people. . The garden will be used to play, and as a calm safe space, to explore and learn through. Other staff are in the school are planning on using the space for wellbeing groups for our young people and collaboration learning activities with science teachers and their pupil
Description
We have a garden at school which is not used, and we want to develop this as a play space with a teepee/shelter with bright cushions, an outdoor area with stepping stones, and other play equipment, seating areas, colourful and inviting art and interactive stations on the wall and fence, garden and planting area for flowers and vegetables. This will allow more physical activity, be a safe and inviting space and for well-being and regulation. The garden needs cleared and developed to make it a space which is accessible to all. Some support for learning pupils- due to their specific needs cannot use Baxter Park as an outdoor space as we have done in the past. There are currently three pupils with significant additional support needs, but there are more pupils coming over the next few years, so there is a long-term need to develop this area.
The area will be accessed mostly by the Support for learning department and by much a wider group of pupils within the school, in science and for pupils taking personal development awards. After speaking with the science department, and some pupils they said they will use it to study different plants and animals. SFL Pupils have looked at the area and through consultation with them have decided on what they would like, their feedback was that the garden needed tidied up and they would like some more things to play with, a nicer place to sit and more things to do. Mr McBain the Head Teacher and I have both attended community meetings in Arthurstone library, for the consultation.
907 school pupils or young people took part in the online survey which was open to all young people in Maryfield as part of the Neighbourhood Captial Grant process and undertaken by Dundee City Council's Community Empowerment Team in Maryfield. All schools in the area took part and a large majority of respondents were school pupils. The results are as follows and clearly evidences the wish for a better school playgrounds, more seating, and outdoor learning spaces- all of which this project would provide at Morgan Academy. This clearly shows the project is supported by school pupils, and young people within the local area.
Funds would be used to buy a wooden shelter, wobble bridge, benches, planters, cushions, plants, sensory toys, cost for construction and installation cost of clearing some of the garden, - Additional sheet sent with the break down of costs.
Students from D&A college garden department to be contacted to help with gardening.
Community payback contacted to possibly clear the garden.
Senior pupils in school can help with the garden, clear up and maintenance.
Staff and pupils will be involved in the planning and location of equipment.
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