Story
A little bit about us:
We are a couple of active males who love a challenge and this is one of the most challenging for this year and for a very worthy cause.
We all have experience of family members or friends with additional learning and support needs. This year we are hoping to raise much needed funds for Bidwell Brook to provide a nurturing, inclusive, accessible and most importantly fun space for the children to adventure learn and play. The outdoors for us provides a sense of freedom and in completing this challenge we hope to help towards providing an area to be enjoyed by all.
We would really appreciate your help in achieving this goal.
Bidwell Brook Special School is halfway through its fundraising efforts to change our tired, uninspiring and in some areas, not fit for purpose playground into a wonderful space for our 160 students. Bidwell Brook learners have severe and/or profound multiple learning needs and the new playground needs to be accessible for everyone.
Nikki Burroughs, Executive Head: "Bidwell Brook Special School draws in pupils from Dartington and many surrounding communities across Devon, and plays an important role in the lives of so many. We are lucky that our playground is large to provide lots of space for our amazing pupils, but this does mean we have to find a lot of funding and ensure play equipment meets their specific needs. We know the amount of money we need is significant; that's why we are having to work on the playground refurbishment in stages.
Outdoor play and space is vital for any child, but even more so for our children and young people. The playground is accessed at various times across the school day not only for play but also as a key learning space and to help pupils regulate. Our sensory learners in particular find swinging and bouncing movements beneficial – it helps prepare them to settle and work in the classroom. Our playground is vital for everyone’s learning opportunities."