The Deaf Academy has launched a £60,000 fundraising appeal to transform an outdoor space into a vibrant, inclusive sensory play area tailored to its students with complex additional needs. 

The current play area is outdated, uninspiring, and unsuitable for the Academy’s students. It was originally created for early years children, so the existing equipment does not meet the current students’ developmental and sensory requirements. The planned new space will provide an environment that supports their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing, helping them to learn, regulate, and thrive. 

The redevelopment will introduce resurfaced walkways, wheelchair-accessible structures, and interactive elements that stimulate the senses. Features will include raised planters filled with fragrant herbs such as mint and lavender, climbing structures, balance beams, and a sunken trampoline to encourage physical activity. A covered seating area will help students develop communication skills, while a gazebo will provide a calming retreat for students who require sensory regulation. 

Deaf Academy teacher Hannah Reeves, who is leading this project, emphasised the importance of this transformation: 

She said: ‘Our current outdoor space is tired, empty, and underused – a wasted opportunity. All of our students have additional needs, including vision impairments and learning difficulties, and they require a space that meets their sensory needs. This new play area will be designed with that in mind, allowing them to explore, engage, and develop essential life skills in a safe and supportive environment.’

To ensure the space is fully inclusive and future-proofed, the Academy has collaborated with staff from classes across the school and college to design a play area based on sensory circuits, incorporating ‘calming’, ‘organising’, and ‘alerting or physical’ activities. The project will also feature role-play sheds designed like a supermarket and café, enabling students to practice everyday communication and life skills before applying them in real-world settings. 

Hannah added: ‘This vital project will enhance the educational experience of Deaf children and young people with additional needs, empowering them to reach their full potential.’

For more information on how to donate to the fundraising campaign and create a bespoke, inclusive and age-appropriate play area for the Academy’s Deaf young people, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sensoryplayarea