PUPILS of Mont à l’Abbé School are set to benefit from a £460,000 fundraising drive to transform the school’s outdoor space, thanks to the efforts of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Jersey.
The funds, raised since September for The Friends of Mont à l’Abbé School, will see a fully inclusive playground built at the specialist school, giving its 140 pupils access to facilities designed around a wide range of physical and sensory abilities.
The idea for the project came following a visit to the school by former Chief Barker Sandra Auckland, accompanied by Greg Wills and James Scott of Beauport Partners.
After seeing the limitations of the existing outdoor area and hearing the school’s plans for an all-inclusive play space, the group committed to helping bring the plans to fruition.
Variety Jersey presented the project to supporters and donors and fundraising has largely centred on community backing and partnerships across the Island.
Construction work on the play area is due to begin in 2026 and when complete, the playground will allow children of differing mobility levels and sensory needs to play side by side, something not currently possible within the existing space.
Liz Searle, head teacher of Mont à l’Abbé School, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see the vision of an inclusive playground come to life.
“This new space will allow every child, regardless of their needs, to play, interact, and grow in a safe, enriching environment.”
“We’re deeply grateful to Variety Jersey and Beauport Partners for their dedication to our students’ futures.”
Mr Wills and Mr Scott were both awarded a Variety Jersey Silver Hearts engraved with the words ‘Honorary Ambassador’, marking the first time the award has been given.
