From Vision to Vital Resource: Crawley College Unveils New Sensory Garden 

Students and staff at Crawley College have transformed an overlooked corner of the campus into a vibrant sensory garden designed to support student wellbeing.  

Designed specially as a calming space for autistic students, the garden is filled with colourful flowers and fragrant plants, providing a peaceful environment where each and every student can relax and regulate their emotions. 

It also features an outdoor classroom which offers a more practical and flexible environment for maths and English lessons by allowing the students to be active while learning. 

The garden brought together students from the Supported Internship and SEN 14-16 programmes, as they worked with additional learning support and construction tutors, as well as learning support assistants, giving it a new purpose for the benefit of both students and staff. 

It became possible after additional learning support staff at the college secured a £5,000 grant from the Sheila Coates Foundation, which allowed the garden to take shape. 

The Shelia Coates Foundation is an independent charity that works to fund projects that enhance the education and mental health of young people with autism. 

Dean Wynter, Vice Principal of Crawley College, who was present at the opening, said: 

“This sensory garden is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when our college community comes together with a shared purpose.  

“Created by students and staff, for students and staff, it provides a welcoming environment where learners can take time to relax, build confidence and engage with learning in a way that suits their individual needs. ” 

To find out about the wide range of courses available at Crawley College, please click here.