School aiming to raise £80k for new playground

A school for children with special educational needs and disabilities is aiming to raise £80,000 to build a new playground.

Sladewood Academy in Stroud, Gloucestershire, has been fundraising for just under a year and has so far raised £37,000, which will pay for an accessible ramp.

The remaining money will be put towards installing sensory features requested by pupils.

Katy Hanna, headteacher, said the playground is essential to the growth of pupils, adding: "Play is such an important part of any child's education, but even more so for our children."

Ms Hanna said the school's current playground is "not really accessible" for pupils and the new playground would include equipment to support sensory needs, motor skills, communication and interaction skills.

The plans include a trail area, a basket swing, a water play area, a climbing frame and slide, and a road marker to teach the pupils about road safety.

Ms Hanna said parents had been "really supportive" and one class had been fundraising.

"They did a car wash for staff, they did a bake sale, and they also had their own stall at the Easter fete," Ms Hanna said.

"Between ten children, they raised about £250, they've been amazing."

Sladewood Academy has raised money through a number of events and staff will be taking part in a sponsored walk in June.

"It's every child's right to be able to play and to be able to access things that are suitable to their needs," Ms Hanna said.

"Some of them would really struggle going out in the wider community, so we have to give them the best facilities so they can practice these skills and give them the best opportunity to be able to use them."

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