Hard work pays off as play area opens (From Worcester News)

Hard work pays off as play area opens

12:40pm Monday 19th December 2011 in News

THE Mayor of Worcester was on hand to open a new interactive playground at one of the city’s special schools.

Councillor David Tibbutt visited Fort Royal Community Primary School, Wyld’s Lane, on Friday to unveil the first phase of the playground.

It boasts a range of features including a bike track, balance beams, multi-sensory attractions and a multi-sports area for playing basketball and football, and was built using £20,000 of funds collected by the school since it opened in September 2007.

It now plans to embark on phase two, which should the addition of even more fun items for focused and structured play opportunities.

Teacher Sam Black said: “We wanted to create a more inclusive playground.

"There were some things we wanted to bring in for children in wheelchairs and for it to be more interactive and a more exciting and structured place to be.

“It is a great way to engage the children in different life skills.

"The feedback from the staff and children has been very good and we are looking forward to phase two and beyond. It’s exciting times.”

The day was a double celebration as it also marked the school’s Christmas party, which included a visit from a local drumming band and Father Christmas.

The school has 150 children from nursery up to the age of 11 who have special educational needs and have learning and physical disabilities.