Shoosmiths volunteers create sensory space for children with movement disorders

Employees from Shoosmiths Birmingham have volunteered at the Red Boots School in Moseley as part of a project to rejuvenate their outdoor spaces for pupils with movement disorders.

As part of its ESG commitment, Shoosmiths employees are encouraged to use their allotted charity day to volunteer and spend time giving back to the local community.

NICE is a charity that provides a range of flexible services, through the delivery of Conductive Education, for children and adults with movement disorders and their families.

Red Boots School is an independent primary school set up by the charity to support children aged 5 to 11 years with cerebral palsy or associated motor disorders. The school seeks to address the children’s complex needs by a programme of active learning, with a focus on integrating therapy and conductive education in one place.

Shoosmiths volunteering group spent two days overhauling the school’s garden space and incorporating sensory details, such as textures, smells and colour. They worked together to repaint the fencing and build a moss garden, a nature section full of logs and bark, and an ‘insect hotel’.

Connor Walton, trainee solicitor at Shoosmiths, said,

“It was an absolute pleasure to volunteer at NICE and see the amazing work that they do with the children there. Thank you to Fiona and the rest of the school for having us – we hope to see you again soon!”.

Head of School, Fiona Biolsborough, said,

"A huge thank you for helping to develop our very tired garden which surrounds the children’s playground. Connor, Kashmir, Guv and Amy worked tirelessly alongside other local volunteers Suman and Tony and surprisingly transformed the area in just a day! The children’s classroom now overlooks a beautiful garden full of colourful and scented plants and flowers. They are literally itching to get out there when the weather improves. 

“Olivia, Christine and Prerana supported the children in creating their very own designed plant pots. The children are planning to grow herbs in these and learn how to use these in their cooking as part of their life skills session. The children were also delighted to receive their very generous donation of Easter eggs and sweets.”