Granby kids gets gardening with a donation from Taylor Wimpey

Leading local housebuilder Taylor Wimpey East Midlands has helped Granby Junior School in Ilkeston create a brilliant ‘snug’ and a brand new garden for the benefit of pupils.

Having recently launched its new Briars Chase development off Heanor Road, Ilkeston, Taylor Wimpey made a £500 donation towards the school’s Positive Play scheme, which aims to help children feel special and supported.

Positive Play Leaders and teaching assistants at Granby, Lisa Shelton and Jill Jameson, used the money to decorate a ‘snug’ – a room for youngsters to use in the former caretaker’s house, and will create a sensory garden that will stimulate the children’s senses.

“Taylor Wimpey’s donation has helped us purchase fabric and cushions and soft fleecy blankets for the snug, as well as twinkly lights that the children really love,” explains Lisa.

“It’s a place our pupils can come to feel safe if they’re stressed or upset, and is a sanctuary within the school grounds. When children come here it gives them a comfortable environment in which to express themselves and communicate their feelings in a relaxed and constructive rather than an aggressive or formal way.”

In addition to the snug, the school will also use the money to provide a new sensory garden area and outdoor sensory equipment for the children, and they will have the chance to grow a variety of plants that will appeal to their senses.

“We plan to grow aromatic herbs and have rustling leaves and different textures and colours which the children can appreciate,” adds Lisa. “Many of our children don’t have gardens at home where they can grow plants, play or just sit and relax, and so the new garden will be an enjoyable part of school life.”

Taylor Wimpey is building a range of family homes at Briars Chase, which lies just a couple of minutes’ walk from Granby Junior School.

Managing Director for Taylor Wimpey East Midlands, Steve Farmer, says: “We are committed to supporting the communities in which we are building new homes, and so we were delighted to be able to help with the Positive Play projects at Granby Junior School.

“The pupils I met were very excited by the opportunity to engage in new activities in-school, and we wish them great success with their new garden!”

Anyone seeking more information on Briars Chase can visit the development, open Thursday to Monday from 10.30am to 5.30pm and signposted off Heanor Road, Ilkeston.

Information on Taylor Wimpey developments across the East Midlands region is available by visiting the web site at taylorwimpey.co.uk.