The children of
Woodley School and College in Huddersfield are enjoying an innovative new play
experience as Sutcliffe Play, one of the UK’s leading designers and
manufacturers of children’s playground equipment, unveils a new £150,000
sensory and physical development play area.
The playground was
officially opened by the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Christine Iredale.
The school, which is
now designated for children and young people with autism, worked with Wakefield
based Sutcliffe Play to design a space that specifically meets the needs of its
users. They created a bespoke Sensory and Physical Development Area featuring
zoned spaces with no physical boundary lines.
Anne Lawton,
Headteacher at Woodley School and College, said: “The
children have improved their physical activity, become better at social
interactions and communication with each other. The outdoor learning spaces are
encouraging our children to engage, to learn and so to be happier.
“Woodley School and
College is a local authority special school for 110 children aged 5-19 who all
have autism. 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.
“On behalf of
Woodley School and College we would like to say a special thank you to Kirklees
Council, the Huddersfield Rotary Club and the Free Masons of Yorkshire and West
Riding who have donated funds to complete this project. We look forward to many
years of enjoyment and development for the children with our new play
facility.”
The zones for the
new play area are as follows:
Music Zone
Offering a
technological element to play, the music zone features a Bluetooth music mast.
The music player is ‘child-powered’ and allows children to learn about kinetic
power whilst playing music to soothe, relax or energise.
Active Zone
This zone encourages
dynamic play offering unique play equipment to develop social skills, balance,
coordination and physical development.
Climbing Zone
This section
encourages mental stimulation, coordination skills and physical activity
through various climbing apparatus and parallel play. The colourful and
interactive equipment features structural levels of play that include a
binocular rail for spying on wildlife, a slide and a tunnel on the ground
level.
Quiet Zone
This area forms the
largest space in the playground. Bringing earthly and natural elements in to
play including a sandcastle, splash zone and reading corner.
Daydream Den
Offering a safe and relaxing area for the children, the ‘Daydream
Den’ is a visually pleasing enclosed area designed to calm the mind.
