Woodley School and College in Huddersfield will be working with the UK’s only employee-owned playground equipment company to build a new Sensory and Physical Development Area.
Work has started on the project following a competitive tender and consultation process with children from the school helping to build their playground.
Teachers and pupils at the school have been very hands on during the design and consultation process. Pontefract based Sutcliffe Play invited teachers and pupils to get a behind the scenes look at Sutcliffe Play, including a tour of the factory to see how equipment is made and the chance to put equipment to the test on the playground outside the company’s office.
Woodley School and College has recently become a facility that caters purely for autistic children and is working with Sutcliffe Play to design not just an inclusive space but a space that specifically met the needs of the school and its users.
The space will feature five key inclusive areas:
1) Music Zone
2) Active Zone
3) Climbing Zone
4) Quiet Zone
5) Daydream Den
Kevin Sellwood at Sutcliffe Play says: “We take consultation seriously here at Sutcliffe Play and what better way than to find out the thoughts of those that will be using it.
“By inviting the School Council to visit Sutcliffe Play it allowed our designers to see how they played on the various items of equipment and importantly it highlighted what would be suitable. It also gave the children the opportunity to see how play equipment is made and how much development goes in to manufacturing it.”
Anne Lawton at Woodley School and College adds: “You can’t underestimate the importance of play to a child’s physical and emotional development. Woodley School is a local authority special school for 125 children aged 4-19 who all have complex needs. The introduction of the new Sensory and Physical Development Area will play a major role in supporting children with autism to extend their learning in a fun environment.”
