Do you want to join me in making a difference? At our special school, outdoor space isn't a luxury — it's a lifeline. We're launching a vital fundraising campaign to develop essential outdoor areas that go far beyond the idea of a traditional playground. Many of our students find the social and sensory demands of a classroom environment difficult. They need calm, open spaces where they can step away, regulate their emotions, and simply breathe. Your support will help us create safe, accessible, and therapeutic outdoor environments where our students can thrive — not just academically, but emotionally and socially.

At Beacon Hill, we are privileged to work with incredible young people who inspire us every day. As a specialist school for students with severe learning disabilities, profound and multiple learning disabilities, complex medical needs and complex Autism, we know that learning is not confined to the walls of a classroom. Our students thrive in environments that stimulate their senses, support their communication, and provide opportunities for movement, exploration, and self-regulation.

That is why we are embarking on an exciting project to develop an inclusive outdoor space—a space where our students can move freely, communicate in ways that suit them, regulate their emotions, and engage in meaningful learning experiences.

For many of our children, traditional playgrounds do not meet their needs. They require carefully designed environments that offer structured yet flexible opportunities for engagement—whether that be through sensory pathways, quiet areas for emotional regulation, or interactive elements that encourage social interaction and communication.

With your support, we can create a space that:

✅ Encourages movement – Promoting physical activity in a way that is safe, enjoyable, and accessible for all.

✅ Supports communication – Providing visual, tactile, and interactive features that enhance expression and understanding.

✅ Aids regulation – Offering calming areas, sensory resources, and spaces to help manage emotions and reduce anxiety.

✅ Promotes learning through play – Designing an environment where students can explore, discover, and develop key skills in a way that makes sense to them.

This outdoor space will remove barriers to engagement, allowing our students to feel safe, supported, and empowered in their own learning journeys. It is not just a playground—it is a space for growth, connection, and discovery.

We would love your help in making this vision a reality. Together, we can create an environment where every child and young person has the opportunity to flourish.

We know that accessing outdoor spaces can be really challenging for children and young people with SEND.

Physical Access: Only 44% of disabled individuals in the UK report that it's easy for them to physically access outdoor spaces, compared to 78% of non-disabled people. Approximately 32% of disabled people face difficulties accessing areas like parks, countryside, or woodlands (www.activityalliance.org.uk)

'Tommy absolutely loves being outside. It is also great for his mental and physical development, it is important that Tommy has a safe and engaging space for him to play and to learn and develop new skills.'

'William absolutely loves being outside. The sensory feedback he receives from the breeze and looking at trees moving etc is very exhilarating to him. William loves it at home where he can access his on the ground trampoline built into the floor independently and safely. If he could have a similar safe space at school it would certainly enhance his life.'

'Outdoor play areas mean everything to Danny. As a sensory seeker he loves to spin climb jump etc. Play areas are a big part of his life'

'Luca's sensory needs and regulation rely highly on outdoor play. He loves open space and exploring outdoors but due to his lack of danger awareness, he needs a safe space to do this.'

'Playing outside really helps to regulate George and he needs outdoor play in order to be calm enough to learn in the classroom. No matter the weather he loves playing outdoors. Having an improved outdoor learning space at Beacon Hill School will have a huge impact on George and many of the other children. There are very few safe spaces to play outdoors locally.'

'Safe outdoor spaces mean the world to Leroy, in a world where so much isn’t for him being outside in a place where he is able to run and play freely with children who are like him without worry for his safety is paramount to his emotional wellbeing'

'Francis love to be outdoors, and having equipment there to be able to enjoy and help self regulate would make such a difference in not just his day but all pupils at beacon hill where the learning by fun can continue outdoors as well as indoors'