What is St Crispin’s School?

St Crispin’s School is a unique special needs primary and secondary school in South Edinburgh. Pupils have severe intellectual disabilities and most have autism spectrum disorder.

Class sizes are around 6 pupils with a specialist syllabus of speech and language, occupational and sensory therapies to teach ‘life skills’, build safety awareness, communication and inclusion.

St Crispin’s has had dramatically increased demand for its specialist learning services with pupil numbers growing by over 25% over 3 years. Importantly the school is utilised year round as a special needs holiday club venue out with term times.

Friends of St Crispin’s School (“FoSC” charity OSCR SC042778) is the charity attached to the school with the aim of supporting pupils to achieve better life outcomes.

What is the need?

The 79 pupils share only 6 pieces of outdoor play equipment. Current playground equipment consists of 2 trampolines, 1 seesaw, 1 basket swing, 1 slide and 1 climbing frame.

Limited capacity means each pupil is only allocated around 1 hour per week which is limiting pupil’s development.

Why is this a critical need?

Our pupils love the playground and the benefits of outdoor play and sensory regulated are multi faceted, helping our pupils burn off energy constructively, providing a creative outlet for energy, inclusion and social connection while developing their confidence. Critically, sensory regulation helps pupils focus better in the classroom. These elements all combine into enable pupils to fulfil their potential, leading to better and healthier life outcomes. Indeed, playground activities are timetabled into the curriculum for our pupils and supported by the teaching team.

Many pupils have acute challenges which means parents and carers struggle to safely access public playgrounds and so school playground play opportunities are critical.

What is the fundraising ask?

FoSC vision is that every pupil has daily access to playground equipment and the development opportunities that it brings.

FoSC are targeting £70,000 to quadruple the capacity of special needs playground with two new playgrounds for primary and secondary schools equipped with specialist equipment.

£25,000 has been raised to date and we are seeking grants and donations for the remaining £45,000.