A SCHOOL playground in Coventry is being transformed into a bespoke space for children with special educational needs.
Castle Wood School is based on Deedmore Road in Wood End and educates more than 130 three to 11-year-olds.
It has installed a variety of equipment designed to stimulate sensory output for children with autism and those in wheelchairs.
It includes a purpose-built roundabout and swing for wheelchairs, a trampoline, chimes, mirrors, balls on springs and a large musical ball that plays music when wound up.
The playground transformation was made possible by fundraising and grants from trusts and organisations including a £2,000 donation from legal firm Band Hatton Button through Heart of England Community Foundation (HOECF), a specialist grant-giving organisation in Coventry which awards funding to community projects across the region.
Sue Rumble is an administration assistant at Castle Wood School and has been appealing for funds to improve the school’s equipment for its pupils.
She said: “This donation means our playground can now provide some worthwhile sensory output for a lot of children with special educational needs and disabilities.
“Many of our children are on the autistic spectrum or are in wheelchairs and they learn through play, so they need sensory output and a variety of things that will occupy them.
“Unlike mainstream children they may prefer their own space on the playground rather than playing games with groups of other children.
“We are now commencing on our second phase of fundraising for £40,000 that will fund other equipment to benefit the children.
“We are aiming to replace our old climbing tower with a new one, and are looking to add a second trampoline, as well as a colourful canopy and a kick wall so the older children can kick a football around.
“Children who attend the school’s Saturday club and summer schemes will also be able to benefit.
“The Saturday clubs are regularly attended by 52 children and last year’s summer scheme attracted 92 children.
Tina Costello, chief executive of Heart of England Community Foundation, commented: “Connecting donors such as Band Hatton Button with local causes such as the one at Castle Wood School is what we are all about.
“It’s important that young people get as much support as possible with their development, and we hope that the new equipment at Castle Wood School provides enjoyment for many years to come.”
