Beginning a new school journey often brings a blend of emotions: excitement, curiosity, nervousness and hope. At Sunfield Garden School and Children’s Home, we believe that every learner’s experience is a story worth telling. In this article, we turn to the most authentic narrators of school life – the learners themselves.
Through the voices of Jordan and Frankie, who joined Sunfield in September 2024 and September 2025 respectively, we explore what it truly means to step into a new learning environment. Their reflections offer a window into the heart of Sunfield: a place where growth, individuality and belonging are nurtured every day. From first impressions to favourite moments, their words illuminate the journey of settling in, making connections and reimagining potential.
FEELINGS AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS
What did it feel like on your first day at Sunfield?
J Ok, happy. It was exciting.
F I was very nervous.
Can you remember something that made you smile or feel safe?
J The animals.
F They let my mum and dad stay with me when I visited.
Was there anything that felt a bit scary or confusing?
J No.
F Nothing, I liked it.
FRIENDSHIPS AND BELONGING
Have you made any friends?
J Yes, Ahmad, Sam, Frankie, Edison and Sully.
F Yes, Jordan and Edison.
What do you like doing together?
J Playing games, football and looking after the goats.
F Football, games room and letting the goats out.
EXPRESSION AND CHOICE
If you could change something to make Sunfield even better, what would it be?
J More animals.
F Put a boxing gym in so I can practise boxing every day.
What do you like most about your school day?
J Seeing the animals, working on the farm.
F It’s good to have lots of exercise [movement breaks].
CRAFT AND MAKING
What have you made with your hands that you are proud of?
J I helped Johannes make a fence for the garden.
F Wooden pots and a candle holder.
How does it feel when you are doing craft work?
J Good, it’s fun, I like it.
F It’s hard work sometimes, but I don’t mind.
What do you like doing with your hands?
J I like the forge and woodwork, using the hammer.
F Using the hammer in the forge and the saw to cut wood.
WORKING WITH THE ANIMALS
Which animals have you helped look after?
J All of them, sheep, goats, pigs, cows and chickens.
F Goats and pigs, but I prefer the goats because the pigs are muddy.
What do you do when you’re with the animals?
J Feed them, let the goats out. I taught the pigs to ‘swim’ [use the water hole].
F I feed them and let the goats out. They run fast, it’s funny.
How do the animals make you feel?
J Happy, I like the animals, they are my favourite.
F Happy, they are fun to watch.
FINALLY
What is your favourite memory of Sunfield so far?
J All of it. Sandy the goat being born. I helped look after her.
F Working in the shop.
What are you most proud of yourself for doing or learning?
J Looking after Sandy and working in the forge.
F Working in the shop. It’s fun.
Is there something you’re looking forward to doing next?
J Working with the baby goats when they are born.
F Working in the shop more.
If someone new was joining Sunfield, what would you tell them?
J It’s fun, go and see the animals. The goats, pigs and cows are best.
F Get ready for all the walking, because there’s lots! It’s great because you learn a lot outdoors.
How does Sunfield compare to your old school?
J It’s better. There are animals and you can run around.
F A lot better, you’re not just sitting there doing worksheets all day.
FAMILIES
Just as the students’ voices reveal the spirit of Sunfield, so too do the stories of their families. The journey of joining Sunfield Garden School is not only a transition for the child but a deeply felt experience for the whole family. Parents and carers speak of the hopes they carried, the challenges they faced and the transformations they witnessed. From the first visit to Sunfield, families describe a growing sense of trust, relief and connection. Their reflections remind us that education is a shared path, one that uplifts, reassures and reimagines what’s possible when a child is truly seen and supported.
A PLACE TO GROW, A PLACE TO BELONG
Jordan and Frankie’s stories, alongside the heartfelt reflections of their families, remind us that Sunfield is more than a school and children’s home. It is a community where children are seen, heard and celebrated for who they are. It is a place where learning is lived, not just taught; where the forge, the farm and the friendships become part of a child’s journey to confidence and joy. As we continue to welcome new learners and families into our fold, we hold close the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and inspired. At Sunfield, we don’t just reimagine potential – we truly nurture it, every single day. It is part of who we all are.
Juliette Brooke
Head of Linguistics and Stiperstones Class Teacher
JORDAN’S FAMILY
Since Jordan started at Sunfield, our lives have truly changed for the better. Before joining, he used to hate going to his old school and would often call himself ‘stupid’ because he couldn’t manage the work that was set for him. It was heartbreaking to see him feel that way.
Now, he’s like a little whirlwind in the mornings, excited, eager, and ready, sitting at the bottom of the stairs waiting for his taxi. He absolutely loves his teachers and has even made a few friends, which means so much to him. Every day he comes home full of smiles, excited to tell me all about what he’s been doing and learning.
The care, patience and understanding he receives at Sunfield have made such a positive difference to his confidence and happiness. For the first time, I feel he’s in a place where people truly understand him and want the best for him. Seeing him so settled and proud of himself has brought so much joy and relief to our family, and I’m deeply grateful for everything Sunfield has done for Jordan.
FRANKIE’S FAMILY
In August 2023, our family moved from Solihull to Pershore to be closer to relatives and improve our quality of life. Frankie had been attending a SEN school near our old address, but the long commute – over an hour each way – quickly became a problem. He grew tearful, withdrawn and unhappy. We felt like we were losing our little boy.
While Dad continued driving Frankie to school, I was at home frantically emailing and calling local SEN schools and the EHCP department. Over 30 schools were consulted, but none could offer Frankie a space. It was devastating. As his mum, I felt helpless. I was doing everything I could but getting nowhere.
Then, a year later, I received an email from Sunfield offering to begin the application process. I called immediately and said yes! From start to finish, the staff were helpful, kind, understanding and professional. It almost felt too good to be true.
When Frankie came for day visits, his happiness was instant, it was like a breath of fresh air. Since starting at Sunfield, he has his smile back, his hilarious sense of humour, and his confidence is beaming. He even said to me, ‘Mum, have you noticed anything?’ I asked, ‘What’s that, mate?’ and he replied, ‘I don’t cry anymore.’
Sunfield, you have been our knight in shining armour. You’ve done more than you’ll ever realise for Frankie and our family. All those worries have gone away, and it’s all thanks to you. No words could ever fully express how thankful we are.