Pupils at Stoke Primary School receive new sensory barn

Pupils at Stoke Primary School are enjoying a new, colourful sensory barn courtesy of  Orbit Homes.

We joined forces with some of our partners to donate, build and furnish the space, which is designed to provide a calming and peaceful environment for pupils to play in or simply sit and relax in if they need a bit of time to themselves.

The project included knocking down an existing older garage and constructing a new wooden-framed barn-style building. The team at Orbit Homes enlisted the help of some of their partners, who all volunteered their services. M&J Evans created the foundations for the structure, RS Miller completed the roofing works, whilst Trussform provided the roof trusses and timbers and Travis Perkins the timber for the structure and cladding. Harris Carpentry and Dixie Décor Ltd also donated their time and services.

The most important job – choosing the paint colours – was entrusted to the children, who chose shades that they not only liked but which also had meaningful names such as High Hopes and Sun Sparkle. Volunteers from Orbit Homes then set about bringing them to life by painting the structure.

Colin Dean, Sales & Marketing Director at Orbit Homes, said: “As part of our social value commitment, we aim to make a positive impact in the communities where we build. We were delighted to offer our support to Stoke Primary School and provide them with a new sensory space for pupils to enjoy. I’d like to thank all of our volunteers from the Orbit Homes team and our partners who worked so hard in building, decorating and furnishing the room. We hope the pupils enjoy it for many years to come.”

Rhiann McGarrity from Stoke Primary School, added: “We are extremely grateful for the generous donation of a barn, hand built on our school playground organised by Orbit Homes. This vibrant space has quickly become a sanctuary for our children, fostering creativity and meeting sensory needs daily. The personalised touch, by allowing our children to choose the paint colours has made it uniquely theirs. Thank you, Orbit Homes, for enriching our school community and providing a safe haven where imagination and friendships can thrive.”

Stoke Primary School is located near to Orbit Homes’ Wyken Gardens development on Meadow Road, Holbrooks, which offers a range of two, three and four bedroom homes, all available through Shared Ownership. The first properties are set to be completed in Spring 2024 and those seeking to take advantage of the benefits that Shared Ownership offers can register their interest now.  

To find out more about the range of properties Orbit Homes offers, click here.

Photo caption: The new sensory barn at Stoke Primary School from Orbit Homes.