The idea
Fairfield is a large special school which provides for pupils with a diverse range of complex and profound learning difficulties, including physical and medical needs from 3-19 years. We offer a broad, balanced and personalised curriculum which provides opportunities to enrich the daily lives of our students.
We are currently raising money to develop the pond area at the back of the school for all our pupils and staff to enjoy. The pond will be drained, cleared and relined to make it a friendly and safe area. Its main feature will be a water fountain and an adjacent seating area to relax and observe the wildlife.
We aim to complete the pond development by spring 2022. This project will complement our existing meadow sensory trail which includes an interactive pathway with sunlight archways, a feature bridge, a musical zone with chimes and xylophones, relaxations zones, and a purpose built outdoor classroom.
What we'll deliver
- Clear and re line Pond
- Remove a section of palisades and install rainbow viewing window
- Install Rustic seating fixed
- Light and texture totems
- Supply and install pond safety grid
- Hardwood Chip 100mm deep with dig out
Why it's a great idea
The project will benefit all students throughout the school as they all have access to the sensory path. Fairfield School is part of a voluntary Trust which is made up of Fairfield School another local high school and seven local primary schools. Pre Covid many students used to visit our school from these main stream schools to work together with our students. The outside area in its current state was always a popular place for these partnerships to take place using the minimal suitable space and on a rota. We are very much looking forward to these visits again when Covid regulations are relaxed to allow this to happen. As a school and community many of our students in particular live in homes where their outdoor space isn’t suitable for them to spend anytime outside enjoying it. Due to the vulnerability of our students many haven’t been able to frequent the parks and open spaces as the past year has been too dangerous for them to be out in the community.
Steps to get it done
- As a school we have events planned to fundraise the £15k needed
- Once all the money is sourced then the company we choose to sue will be instructed
- The pond area is the final part of our meadow development which has been installed over the summer months
