School creates sensory garden in memory of much loved teaching assistant
“We are incredibly proud of this beautiful space and very grateful to everyone who has helped”
Children, staff, and the local community have created a sensory garden in memory of a much-loved teaching assistant who sadly passed away.
The garden has been created in an underused area of St Paul’s CE Primary School, Ryhope, and has been named The Hart of St Paul in memory of of Sarah Hart, a treasured teaching assistant and committed school governor who sadly passed away in August 2025.
Sarah was a much-loved part of the St Paul’s community for many years and, as someone who valued peace, reflection and wellbeing, staff felt the garden was a particularly fitting way for her name to remain part of the school’s future.
The Hart of St Paul’s was officially opened at the school’s Summer Fayre by Reverend David Chadwick alongside Sarah’s son, Josh.
Headteacher Mrs Lisa Quinn-Briton said: “We are incredibly proud of this beautiful space and very grateful to everyone who has helped bring it to life. The Hart of St Paul’s will provide a special place for our children to enjoy nature, find calm and reflect for many years to come, while ensuring Sarah remains a very special part of our school story.”
The garden will provide a calm and welcoming environment within the school grounds and will offer pupils opportunities to spend time outdoors, connect with nature and enjoy moments of peace and reflection.
Mrs Quinn-Briton said the garden will also support the school’s continued focus on inclusion and wellbeing, “ensuring that the school environment meets the differing needs of all children”.
Pupils and staff will take responsibility for caring for the garden, tending its plants and helping it change and develop through the seasons.
Mrs Quinn-Briton added: “As new plants establish, bulbs emerge and the garden continues to mature, The Hart of St Paul’s will grow with the school – providing a lasting, living space for care, reflection, inclusion and wellbeing for generations of St Paul’s children to come.”
Funding for the sensory garden was provided by SHINE Sunderland, an £11 million investment in education across the city, with support from Hopewood Park Hospital, who worked alongside the school in developing and planting the garden.
Mrs Quinn-Briton also wanted to thank Friends of St Paul’s, whose ongoing fundraising provides vital additional funds for projects at the school.