A new sensory prayer garden has been officially opened at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School in Midsomer Norton, creating a peaceful space where pupils can pause, reflect and enjoy the outdoors.
The school, part of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, welcomed Father Martin to officially open the garden, which has transformed a courtyard into a colourful and calming area designed around the five senses.
The project was made possible with support from Mendip and District Round Table 642, which awarded the school a £500 grant last year. The local social group brings men together to support projects and initiatives within the community. The funding was used to buy five raised beds, which have been turned into sensory planting areas featuring flowers and plants chosen to represent sight, touch, taste, hearing and smell.
The garden was created through a collaboration between the school’s pupil wellbeing champions and chaplaincy team, with pupils helping to shape a space combining creativity, mindfulness, faith and reflection.
At St Benedict’s, the wellbeing champions help ensure pupils feel connected and included in school life, develop positive relationships with their peers and staff, and understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
Mrs Croker, headteacher at St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School, said, “We were delighted to officially open our new sensory prayer garden and to see an idea created by our pupils and chaplaincy team become such a special part of our school. The garden provides a peaceful space where children can pause, reflect, pray and simply enjoy being outdoors, while engaging all five senses.
“Our wellbeing champions played an important role in shaping the space, ensuring it reflects what our pupils need and want from their school environment. We are incredibly grateful to Mendip and District Round Table 642 for their generous grant, which has helped us create a space that we hope will bring joy, calm and a sense of connection to our whole school community for many years to come.”
Helen Taylor, CEO of the Dunstan Catholic Educational Trust, added, “It is wonderful to see the St Benedict’s community come together to create such a thoughtful and inspiring space for pupils. The sensory prayer garden is a beautiful example of how wellbeing, inclusion and faith can come together to create an environment where every child feels valued and supported.”
