PUPILS at Mont à l’Abbé School could soon have a purpose-built inclusive playground under plans marking the first phase of the long-awaited £41 million redevelopment of the specialist school.
A new planning application proposes creating a new play area in the field adjoining the school, featuring equipment specifically designed for children with special educational needs.
Under the plans, the playground would be enclosed by a 2.4-metre security fence with direct access from the school and would be for the “sole use” of Mont à l’Abbé pupils.
This metal fencing will “ensure that the playground can remain functional” if and when other works begin on the field as part of the development, documents submitted as part of the application said.
According to the design statement, the scheme represents the first phase of a wider redevelopment of the site, with further applications due to follow as plans progress.
The overall project received a funding increase from £23 million to £41 million last year.
Planning documents state that the school is currently operating at capacity and has “very limited” outdoor space for pupils to enjoy.
The proposed playground has been designed to be inclusive, safe and accessible, with features including a wheelchair swing, sensory den, “cosy cocoon”, marine activity centre, cobra swing and road markings with traffic lights to encourage imaginative play.
If the new playground is approved, the existing playground in front of the school building will be removed to create additional space for redevelopment while giving pupils what the application describes as an “exciting and engaging” outdoor environment.
The playground is to be sponsored by local charity Variety, which supports disabled and disadvantaged children and young people, and designed by inclusive play equipment specialists Sutcliffe Play.
Education Minister Catherine Curtis said that, while the playground is currently envisaged as being solely for Mont à l’Abbé pupils, the government is “reviewing the use of school playgrounds outside of school hours within the play plan”.
