MINSHULL Vernon and District Parish Council has given a grant of up to £3,500 to a new special needs school in Crewe so it can provide a wellbeing sensory garden.

The Axis Academy was opened earlier this year on the former Lodgefields Primary School site to provide education for pupils assessed for SEMH (Social, emotional and mental health needs) and SEND (Special educational needs) in Cheshire East

The school is in the Woolstanwood Parish, which is part of the parish council's area.

The work will be undertaken by the school staff, volunteers and pupils.

It was considered that having a wellbeing/sensory garden would benefit the children, the local community and the local habitat, where there was a place for the children to relax in a quiet place.

Sensory gardens improve physical fitness, health, mood and cognition. Gardening and plant care helps children develop gross and fine motor skills.

Time outdoors, breathing fresh air, and being exposed to sunlight were extremely beneficial to the children's overall physical health.

Part of the project includes an on-site vegetable allotment, which will hopefully involve the local community.

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The parish council has also given some litter picking equipment to the school.

Woolstanwood councillor Phillip Williams said: "This highlights the work and support the parish council do within the community."

Woolstanwood councillor Brian Silvester said: "The parish council has always worked very closely and effectively with our local schools, giving support where we can."