Etonbury Academy teachers were gifted a wellbeing garden by Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST) as part of its commitment to maintain staff welfare.

An opening ceremony was held on May 19 where the Arlesey school staff celebrated the first of many wellbeing gardens being introduced.

Last year, BEST pledged to fund and create areas for staff to relax and take some time for themselves within all of the trusts' schools and nurseries.

The Comet: Etonbury Academy Principal Ian Evason and BEST Chair of Trustees Ilona Bond officially open the school’s staff wellbeing garden.Etonbury Academy Principal Ian Evason and BEST Chair of Trustees Ilona Bond officially open the school’s staff wellbeing garden. (Image: Courtesy of Chris Lennon)

Etonbury principal, Ian Evason, cut the ribbon to declare the garden open alongside the chair of trustees, Ilona Bond.

Mr Evason said: “The garden is a lovely space and staff have already begun relaxing.

"On behalf of everyone at Etonbury, I’d like to give my thanks to our trust for making this commitment to staff wellbeing.”

The tranquil space includes chairs and sun loungers for staff to use at their leisure. Complete with a water feature, hanging baskets and planter beds, the garden aims to have a promising peaceful atmosphere.

This wellbeing initiative was made during the trusts' fifth anniversary celebrations last year, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Comet: BEST has ten schools within the trust and two more wellbeing gardens will be created before the end of the summer term.BEST has ten schools within the trust and two more wellbeing gardens will be created before the end of the summer term. (Image: Courtesy of Chris Lennon)

BEST chief executive officer, Dr Alan Lee, emphasised the importance of workforce wellbeing and thanked the school staff for their hard work.

He said: "The wellbeing of all really matters at BEST and it is a strategic priority for us. Indeed, our mission is to ‘grow the BEST in everyone’ and compassion is a core value.

"Each day we strive to cultivate kindness and offer gratitude. The Etonbury Academy wellbeing garden is presented by BEST in gratitude for the support, service and kindness all members of the Etonbury community show each other: thank you."

The small formal ceremony was attended by school staff, BEST trustees, senior leaders as well as invited guests, including Stotfold Mayor Steve Buck and Gordon Hamilton from local charity The Need Project.

The Comet: BEST Chief Executive Officer Dr Alan Lee and Etonbury Academy Principal Ian Evason in the school’s staff wellbeing garden.BEST Chief Executive Officer Dr Alan Lee and Etonbury Academy Principal Ian Evason in the school’s staff wellbeing garden. (Image: Courtesy of Chris Lennon)

Dr Lee continued: "We very much look forward to providing wellbeing gardens in all our schools."

BEST has 10 schools within the trust and two more wellbeing gardens will be created before the end of the summer term.

The other retreats are scheduled for completion next academic year.