A special education school in Failsworth has received close to £900 for a new sensory garden that will help students manage stress and anxiety.

New Bridge School in Hollinwood received the donation from the team at the estate agents Ryder & Dutton in Oldham who raised the funds by completing a sponsored walk.

The 20-strong team from Ryder & Dutton set off on the 10-mile walk on Sunday September 18, starting at New Bridge School and visiting branches at Chadderton, Oldham, Royton, and Shaw, before finishing at their head office in Salmon Fields Business Village in Royton.

Emma Brooks, branch support manager at Ryder and Dutton, said: “We heard about the school’s vision for a sensory garden and immediately wanted to help. New Bridge has such a wonderful school community and does so much to improve the lives of its pupils and their families, and we just knew how much a sensory garden would add to the school.

“We’re delighted to be able to hand over some money that will help get this dream off the ground, and we’re now looking forward to donating our time to help create the garden.” 

The sensory garden will provide a space for the school’s pupils, who all have special educational needs, to participate in a range of therapeutic activities and sessions that will support them with managing stress, anxieties, and mental health issues in an outdoor space.

The new facility will incorporate different sensory features such as jumping jets, a metal water feature, an interactive storyboard, a rain wheel and wind chimes, and a pergola with coloured roof panels.

New Bridge School headteacher Alison Toothill, said: “On behalf of the school, we would like to thank Ryder & Dutton for their fantastic fundraising efforts. The school needs a sensory garden, for our children and young people who need a calm, outdoor area, with ramp access, but we will also use this area to create an installation for the children whom we have lost, giving us a place to remember them and celebrate their life.”

To donate to New Bridge School’s sensory garden fundraiser, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Ryderssponsoredwalk