Children's charity to get outdoor classroom

A children's charity in Jersey is set to benefit from a new outdoor classroom to help youngsters who have emotional, behavioural or additional needs.

The classroom will be used by Centrepoint for therapeutic art and outreach sessions.

Founded in 1984, the charity is one of the largest childcare providers on the island, supporting more than 600 children through a wide range of services.

CEO Jane Moy said the service would enable children to do something "enjoyable and achievable without the pressure of being in a school classroom."

Ms Moy said: "There is increasing demand for mental health and emotional well-being support in early years and primary-aged children and teachers, and early-years professionals are seeking external expertise for children that need alternative approaches to engagement.

"We have also found that since the pandemic, the need for inclusive, trauma-informed and creative support strategies is growing across the island.

The playground is being funded by recruitment firm GR8. Jersey and Guernsey operations director Diane Sumnall said it was "natural we would assist in enabling Centrepoint".

She said: "Cost of living pressures are making it difficult for charities to source funding for their projects, so we are very pleased that our support will enable Centrepoint to build the outdoor classroom they need."

The project is due to be complete in September.

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