The idea
The School is redeveloping a dilapidated WWII shelter located in the main playground of the School. The area could not be used the children given that it was simply unsafe and had been designated a health and safety risk due to the structure of the shelter and the uneven condition of the ground. The area is the only green space in the school, which would serve over 700 children when redeveloped. The area has been carefully redesigned to include apparatus for physical development, a planting area and a sensory area for reflection, to allow all the children to explore the outside environment using their five senses. Post-construction, the area will be maintained by our already established Gardening Club, comprising of volunteer staff, parents, pupils and members of the community.
What we'll deliver
- Supply and installation of artificial grass over “the mound” and supply and fit two decked areas
- Resurfacing of existing playground with tarmac
- Supply and installation of outside physical activity and sensory equipment
Why it's a great idea
We are committed to this project because be strongly believe it will have a significantly positive impact on the learning experience of the children in the School with special education needs, a number of whom do not yet have statutory provision in place. The project will also bring a number of tangible benefits to our wider community, including:
- Increased physical activity and improved health;
- Improved impact on the environment;
- Increased community cohesion through play;
- Improved social inclusion for our children and families by bringing together the School community and providing opportunities for respecting diversity and the shared moral values of the School;
- Improved skills in the local community through the voluntary gardening initiative;
- A positive move towards a more sustainable community.
Steps to get it done
- Purchase and installation of sensory equipment
- Purchase and installation of physical equipment
- Ground preparation
North Ealing is a successful, inclusive and popular community school. We work inclusively with our families in order to maximise the learning potential of all children in our community. Our school has an above average percentage of children with additional and complex needs, as noted by Ofsted, in comparison to other local maintained schools and we are committed to providing them with the support they need to reach their potential. We are increasingly finding that children and families in our community are experiencing mental health problems, obesity and poor general levels of fitness and well-being. We see this project as critical to our current drive towards maintaining the physical and emotional well-being of these children.
Work commenced in April 2017 and we have obtained the funding for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Project. We are seeking funding for Phase 3 in order to complete the purchase and installation of the sensory and physical equipment.
