Education minister opens new sensory outdoor class in Baltinglass

A NEW outdoor sensory classroom at Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass was recently opened by minister for education and youth Hildegarde Naughton.

The courtyard space is kitted out with desks and partly covered by a canopy that makes it suitable as a calming space for those who want to take ‘a little walk’.

“It’s a space that can be used as a classroom for any students. It’s basically an extra classroom for us, while also serving as a sensory garden,” explained Wilma Murphy, an English teacher at the school.

Teachers will have the option of booking the garden online when the weather is good and when it suits the class. “It’s not a case of an outdoor classroom that’s there for show and not actually being used. It is very much going to be a useful space,” said Wilma.

Teachers and students started planning the garden last year, following on from the successful opening of a new school library, with a lot of work being done by Andy Owens, the caretaker. The project was funded by the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board.

Minister Naughton opened the garden during a tour of schools in west Co Wicklow when she also visited St Kevin’s Community College, Dunlavin and Blessington Community College.

She arrived at Scoil Chonglais in the morning where the entire student body had gathered in the school gym. During the indoor ceremony, a student performed a piece of music, there was an address from the head girl and boy while school principal, Patrick Maguire and minister Naughton also spoke a few words.

Afterwards, senior prefects, students from the Le Chéile special class, meitheal leaders, staff, local TD Edward Timmins and minister Naughton gathered in the school garden to officially open it. “There was a great buzz about the place. With the minister coming, the students were very excited to see her,” said Wilma.