The charity Autism Unlimited is calling on the Dorset business community for help to fund new play equipment for the youngest pupils at its Portfield School.
Portfield School in Parley, near Christchurch, supports 137 autistic students. Its reception age class, Stepping Stones, has been without a climbing frame since October half term, when the previous equipment was removed after falling into disrepair.
Autism Unlimited’s appeal aims to raise £26k and will fund a better playground for existing pupils, and the many children who will join Stepping Stones Class in the future.
Anna Hewitt, Headteacher at Portfield School said: “Play equipment is important for all children in terms of keeping them fit, agile and helping them to form relationships with other children. For autistic children it can also play a vital part in supporting their focus, decreasing stress, and helping them to regulate emotions leading to reduced stress, anxiety and frustration.”
She continued: “Some of our children at Portfield School have sensory challenges, alternative communication methods and need an outside play area to support a whole approach to learning. In my experience, play helps autistic children to engage with the world, make sense of their surroundings, and acquire new knowledge and experiences, and I see their time in the playground being a vital and much treasured part of their day.
“The last climbing frame was donated to the school nearly a decade ago and had become unfit for purpose. Now, we have a big space where it once stood, and the children understandably miss it. To reach our target of £26k, we need the support of our community to donate, fundraise and spread awareness of our appeal.”
Businesses and individuals are being asked to support the appeal in any way they can, including by direct donation or through a fundraising event.
Siún Cranny, Autism Unlimited CEO said: “We live in a wonderfully-giving community and hope people will do anything they can to support our appeal. With their help we can provide the best equipment and opportunity for our current students, as well as autistic children from across the region for many years to come. All efforts, however small, will make a huge difference to local children.”
For more information and to donate, please visit Autism Unlimited’s website at: www.autism-unlimited.org