A transformational outdoors project built by Ryebridge Construction at a Luton special needs school has been officially opened.
A team of Ryebridge apprentices spent a week transforming a corner of the grounds at Woodlands Secondary School into a sensory garden to provide a calm space for students with complex needs to regulate in a tranquil and beautiful environment.
It was officially launched at Woodfest 2025 – an annual celebration of all that is great about the school, including band performances, crafts stalls and community engagement activities.
The garden was the brainchild of teacher Selina Young and the school’s Eco Council, but run aground when local building firms quoted them a staggering £4-5,000 for the groundworks.
Enter Ryebridge, who not only agreed to carry out the work free of charge, but also built a pagoda for the garden while on site.
The firm’s apprentices were involved in the full design and delivery of the scheme, including sourcing materials and carrying out the actual work, providing them with invaluable first-hand experience of project management.
Woodlands prides itself on inspiring and supporting their pupils to achieve their full potential and the curriculum includes a focus on functional learning and life-skills like horticulture, which meant many of them were involved in working on the planters around the sensory garden.
Speaking after the official launch, Selina said: “After two years of work, it has been lovely finally sharing this project with the student community at Woodlands during Woodfest.
“We are excited about how we will develop this space over the coming years and have lots of ideas on how to make this a calming, welcoming, sensory outdoor experience! Again, a huge thank you again to Ryebridge for making this space accessible to all our student community and a place for students to enjoy for years to come.”
And pupils Nicholas and Mickey added: “I think it's a nice sensory garden and I like the way it is set up. It has a lot of space and I like the different coloured mirrors and the wind chime,” and “Cool, fantastic, super mega-good!”
The opening of the garden was attended by representatives from Ryebridge including managing director Sean Scully and apprentice Max Banham, who worked on the project.
Sean said: “We were delighted to see the finished garden and hear from some of the students who have been working on the site or making the most of its facilities.
“This project was one our apprentices took a real pleasure in working on, and not only did it provide them with invaluable experience, but was a scheme they felt very passionate about completing.
“Coming here today and seeing the happy smiles on Woodlands students’ makes it even more worthwhile.”
