A SCHOOL for children with Autism Spectrum Condition has a brand new sensory garden for pupils to enjoy.

The specially-designed space at Rosebank School in Barnton will provide an area for pupils to experience calming and relaxing activities in a safe environment.

It was officially opened by MP Esther McVey on Friday.

Parents of pupils at the school have raised the money for the re-development of the garden through fundraising activities including a sports day in June.

Headteacher Rosemary Charlton said: "We are a small school and the Friends of Rosebank have worked incredibly hard to raise the money to enable this project to become a reality."

Rosebank School, on Townfield Road, is a school for children aged four to 11 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).

Ms Charlton added: "At Rosebank School we have been developing ‘sensory diets’ with all our pupils.

"Sensory integration challenges are common amongst individuals of all ages with ASC.

"The garden will provide a space where the children can experience calming and relaxing activities in a safe environment.

"As a school we put a great deal of emphasis on emotional regulation using the Zones of Regulation – we teach the children tools to help them to self-regulate.

"The sensory garden is one of those tools."

The installation of the garden was a join effort between staff, pupils and their parents.

It has been designed and built by Michael Cole following staff consultation and design ideas contributed by the pupils.

He was supported by parents who assisted in removing the old sensory garden and clearing the site.

They then moved several tons of hardcore to provide the basis for the sensory pathway, which is the central theme of the garden.

The sensory pathway is only phase one of Rosebank School's project and fundraising for phase two is now well underway.