The outdoor classrooms will act as extensions of existing learning spaces, enabling teaching to flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors. The project will create four outdoor areas that will serve seven classrooms in the Main School Building. The four new spaces also include areas for communal learning:

• a water exploration zone,
• a computer learning area
• an outdoor library space

Each structure has been carefully designed to protect young people from the elements, reduce noise, and absorb UV rays, while still offering the calming benefits of learning outdoors.

Why outdoor classrooms?

Some of the bespoke equipment includes:  

• Water play and sandpits, supporting problem-solving skills, teamwork, and communication  ↓

• Outdoor musical instruments, encouraging self-expression and developing fine motor skills  ↓

• Learning panels, helping our teachers to deliver curriculum content in engaging, accessible ways  ↓

• STEAM table, enabling exploration of cause and effect and encouraging creativity through building circuits ↓ 

• Occupational therapy blocks, offering open-ended exploration and opportunities to develop balance, coordination, and physical confidence ↓ 

• Trim trails, providing flexible, adaptable equipment that young people can use in ways that work for them  ↓

• Swings, supporting emotional regulation through rhythmic, predictable movement  ↓

• Crinkle Crags Climber, offering a versatile climbing environment that builds strength, stability, and both fine and gross motor skills ↓

Additional features include:

• Chalkboards for teaching and creative expression 
• Gravity bowl that can reduce anxiety and help a young person feel more secure in their environment
• Sensory spinners for producing sound and colour to support calm regulation and coordination skills 

Back to the Outdoor Classrooms appeal page

These are just some of the bespoke pieces of equipment and the benefits they provide. If you would like tmore detail about individual features, or the whole project, please contact our Fundraising team on [email protected]

Thank you for helping autistic young people with complex needs engage with the education they deserve, develop vital life skills, feel fulfilled, and discover new passions.

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