Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol Llanilar was awarded the former Tesco Stronger Starts funding at the end of 2024, with work continuing throughout 2025 to develop their Sensory Garden. Now in its third year of development, the garden is used throughout the year by pupils across the school.
The purpose of the project was to create a sensory room to support the wellbeing of pupils, which will provide numerous benefits, particularly to those with sensory processing disorders, autism and ADHD. The garden provides a calming outdoor environment, encouraging mindfulness and relaxation and giving pupils a safe space when they may feel overwhelmed.
Pupils grow their own fruit and vegetables, learn how to care for the environment and work together as a team. Importantly, they also discover where food comes from, the benefits of growing fresh produce and the enjoyment of cooking and eating what they have grown themselves.
A fantastic example of how growing spaces can help children develop a positive relationship with fresh, nutritious food – while supporting their wellbeing, learning and connection with nature.
Could your school or community project do something similar?
The Tesco Fruit & Veg Grants Programme is now accepting applications for 2027 projects across North and Mid Wales. Grants support projects that improve children's access to free fruit and vegetables, including healthy meal and snack schemes, holiday hunger initiatives, foodbanks, community growing projects and healthy eating programmes for families.
The current application round closes on 15th October 2026. For more information, visit www.tescoplc.com/fruit-and-veg-grants or contact us at [email protected] / 01978 757 524.