We are raising funds to provide Phase One of our Happy Adventures Play Park. A new courtyard area full of inspiring and interactive areas for the children to play and learn.

Children with autism often have difficulty processing sensory information. The impact of sensory processing difficulties can be wide and varied, and influence self regulation, stress levels, behaviour, learning, interactions with others, coordination and movement skills. If these sensory behaviours are not understood, then they can impact on their ability to cope with many everyday situations and some may even appear as challenging behaviour.

While play can seem simple and natural, it is surprisingly complex in terms of the ways in which it supports positive growth and development. Children have a natural motivation to play and while having fun they can also learn new skills and interact with their environment in a way that is meaningful and purposeful. Playground equipment can offer unique and beneficial sensory experiences that are difficult for children to get through other forms of play, which is especially important to the development of children with sensory disorders.

The new play area will include a mud kitchen, water and sand play, a reading den and rain pods. If we exceed our target we will continue with a go-kart track on our back field for all to enjoy.

Please help Doucecroft School reach their target so that this wonderful new addition to the school can be installed during 2022.