Laois school receives new sensory courtyard for autism classrooms

Ballyadams National School have welcomed their new sensory courtyard, garden and outdoor play equipment.

The school has fully reconfigured one of their two ASD classrooms, and further doubled the size of their outdoor softplay area.

This work was completed through their Sensory Courtyard Project.

"The Sensory Courtyard promises to be a haven and space of comfort for all children in every class and all our school staff," said Mr Rory Stapleton, principal of Ballyadams NS.

"We have also installed a new Sensory Garden and Outdoor Nest Swing in our play area for all the children in the school to enjoy thanks to the exceptional support of our school community.

"Sincere thanks to all who have made the recent additions to Ballyadams N.S as mentioned above possible," Mr Stapleton praised.

"Our thanks to The Crannagh Water Group for their generous donation to the school, Manor Stone for donating the stone, Dunnes Garden Centre, Pat Whelan who generously gave his time to create our new Sensory Garden."

The principal also gave thanks to parent Patrick Kelly Snr for donating and erecting their new Sensory Nest Swing for all the children to enjoy.

"A big thank you to Parent Colin Campion for his expertise in making the bench in the courtyard and Esta for kindly donating the timber," Mr Stapleton continued.

"A special word of thanks to Parent Tom Popple and his own organisation, ‘Be Impactful’ for his exceptionally generous sponsorship of the Sensory Courtyard Awning and further equipment to make the Sensory Courtyard project vision a reality for Ballyadams N.S.

"Without the kindness and generosity of our school supporters these wonderful features and additions would not have been possible.  Ní neart go cur le chéile!" Mr Stapleton finished.

Ballyadams N.S open enrollment for Junior Infants 2025/26 on the 6th January 2025. For more information, click here.