A DOWNEND infant school has opened a new ‘spiritual garden’ for pupils to spend quiet moments of reflection.
The indoor garden at Christ Church CofE Infant School, with books, a whiteboard, plants, a bubble machine and ‘hook a duck’ game, was created using £2,000 of donations from parents, staff and the Christ Church community, along with member awarded funding from South Gloucestershire Frenchay & Downend ward councillor Ben Burton.
Head teacher Anna Martin said: “Children wanted to create an area that they have called ‘Our Space’ – an indoor garden to create space and time to think, reflect and wonder at playtimes.
“In society today, we are busier, more distracted and anxious than ever before, and rarely allow ourselves space to reflect and think deeply about what we believe.
“We designed this area to give our children at CCI ‘space’ both physically and mentally.
“We want to provide a space that will offer opportunities for curiosity, awe and wonder.
“We want to showcase inspirational books and information about the world, the climate and how we can courageously help make the world a better place.
“We want to provide a safe, comfortable space where children can interact with deeper thinking, relax and explore their creativity through a range of sensory experiences.
“We want a space where we can support the well-being of the children at playtimes if they are having a difficult time personally. We want our children to be inspired to live life to the full.
“We feel so lucky to have had the financial support to create an area that all children can enjoy and spend time in and are so thankful to our deputy head teacher, Gareth Jones, for working so hard to make this happen.