A Wooburn Green school that was placed in special measures is calling on businesses to help them create a sensory garden for pupils.

The Meadows School, in School Road, hopes to “completely overhaul” a rough patch of grass on site and turn it into a place where all pupils can experience nature, learn about healthy eating and grow their own vegetables.

With the school being rated inadequate earlier this year following an Ofsted inspection, Jeannette Colby, special educational needs co-ordinator, says they have had a “difficult time” but are working to “turn things around”.

Recognising the need to “nurture” their pupils, the school has already created The Nest for children with special educational needs – a place designed to be a calm environment for them to learn and relax.

In The Nest, children take part in speaking and listening activities, arts, crafts and games and toast time – where all the children sit round and eat a proper breakfast at the table – something Mrs Colby says many children do not experience at home with busy working parents.

She also said she is “astounded” at the number of pupils who are suffering with mental health problems – something she puts down to the “everyday pressures of life” children face.

She said: “We realised a lot of kids need nurturing. We have been very honest about all the challenges we have faced over the past year but we are trying to turn that around. Lots of our staff have undergone training.”

The addition of a sensory garden will benefit all children, but particularly those with special needs, ADHD or dyspraxia.

Calling on businesses to get involved, Mrs Colby hopes they will feel like they are doing something to help the community.

She said: “We want to develop a sensory garden but we need help and resources and we want to involve as many people from the community as possible because the school belongs to the community and we don’t want to feel isolated.

“A lot of children have never experienced gardening. We would love to have volunteer groups come into the garden and teach our children the basics. We are looking for anyone who has knowledge or experience of gardening or who can donate funds.”

The school needs planters, pots, benches, plants, stepping stones, a water feature, chimes, bird feeders and a gazebo in case it rains and hopes businesses will help.

If you can help the school create their garden, get in touch with them on 01628 521634.