Library given new lease of life by LazyLawn

Pupils’ reading and behavioural skills have dramatically improved at a special school in Hemel Hempstead, thanks to the UK’s biggest artificial grass brand.

LazyLawn has breathed new life into the library and corridors of The Collett School, by using 50 meters of its popular Lazy Supreme turf to create a sensory area for the children.

The woodland themed library is now a calming place for the children to sit and read, on the chairs which are made out of branches, and have teddy bear picnics.

The entrance area has also been given a new, colourful lease of life with LazyLawn-covered walls, which has created a great sensory surface for the children to run their hands and feet through.

Since the installation, teachers have noticed an improvement in both the children’s reading and behavioural skills, thanks to LazyLawn.

The Collett School provides care and support for children suffering from many conditions such as Down’s Syndrome and autism and is the only special educational needs school in Hertfordshire that caters for 4-17 year-olds. Over half of the children at Collett School go to Great Ormond Street Hospital for care and nearly half come from financially disadvantaged families.

Gillian Lawton, project manager at Collett School, said: “We were after a break-out space which was fun, adaptable and accessible place for the children, particularly those in wheelchairs.

“After the installation we noted that the children were stimulated by running their hands and feet through the grass and enjoyed lying down with their feet up on the wall.

“What was a neglected area, in need of some colour, is now somewhere with identity and is a cherished place for the children to read and play. It has set the tone for the school as a new and engaging environment. We cannot thank Sean at LazyLawn enough for his efforts during the whole process.

“As one of the lowest funded special schools in Hertfordshire, we are always fundraising to create enough learning space for the children.”