ABOUT US
We are raising money to transform the outdoor space of our Area Resource Base.
Alongside our mainstream school, we nurture, support and educate 20 children aged 4 - 11 years with severe and complex needs. Most of our children are autistic and many are non-verbal. Some have chromosomal abnormalities. Most of our children have significant sensory needs.
OUR STARTING POINT
As can be seen from our pictures, our children’s outdoor space is unfit for purpose. Funding for children with additional needs is poor; thus, we do not have funds to develop their outdoor space into something that meets their needs. With adult support, our children have raised £131 for their new garden through their own little project of a mini fair, in which they made crafts to sell.
Currently, the outdoor space is muddy and slippery when wet and consists of broken plant beds and paving that is obsolete. Our most vulnerable children deserve an outdoor space in which they can feel safe, engage with nature, learn and play.
Our children actively seek to engage with the outdoors as it calms their minds and bodies and stimulates their senses. Currently, their access is limited due to the rough and uneven ground which makes it dangerous for them, especially those with mobility difficulties. It is not readily accessible to wheelchair users.
WHY IS DEVELOPMENT NECESSARY?
The outdoors is an essential aspect of our children's provision as it supports their regulation and sensory needs, enables opportunity to build connection and communication, and allows them to gain confidence to explore and learn. The children cannot access the open green spaces of the main school as such large open space heightens anxiety; furthermore, many have not yet developed a sense of danger.
Our most vulnerable children need somewhere that feels safe and secure for them, yet offers all of the elements of a bigger outdoor learning environment. We wish for our school to be fully inclusive in ensuring all pupils can grow and develop through access to a high quality natural environment: engagement with the outdoors is so powerful in developing our children's self awareness and engagement with others. In addition, such an environment will do so much for enriching our children's formal curriculum as well as developing their life experiences.
Imagine our children having access to a space of which they are so deserving....
OUR PLAN
A garden development plan is in place, ensuring access in all weathers. The plan includes: levelling of rough, uneven ground; removal of decaying trees and shrubs; wheelchair friendly paths and artificial lawn where appropriate; a Forest School area with bug house; a play area including a hammock (for sensory stimulation purposes); raised plant beds and an outdoor classroom area.
An accessible, safe, engaging and stimulating outdoor provision such as this would enhance our children’s wellbeing and sense of belonging. It would help promote interaction of children with adults, and give purpose to communication and language. Most importantly, it would make our most vulnerable children feel safe, valued and happy.
Thank you in advance if you feel able to support us with our project. Please know that your contribution will make a significant difference to the lives of our special children.