Denewood Academy, Nottingham

ESP PLAY have completed a stunning new SEN playground at Denewood Academy in Nottingham on behalf of the Rayleigh Education Trust.

Their new inclusive playground features a new sport MUGA, outdoor gym equipment, multiple sensory areas, playground markings, outdoor table tennis tables and much more.

Outdoor play is critical in a specialist provision such as an SEN school. The children at Denewood Academy now have access to many outdoor experiences. Regardless of SEN, many children struggle with paying attention. A number of proactive strategies, such as outdoor play has been proven to help.

Providing quiet spaces to sit in calmly and take time our can help to minimise other distractions. As with all children, it is a case of understanding each individual to discover the types of play resources or playground activities that will best captivate them. Appropriate sensory stimulation increases children’s concentration and focus, helping them to self-occupy. An opportunity to participate in physical development activities can also develop muscle tone.

Denewood Academy offers full-time education for permanently excluded young people aged between 7-14 years old from mainstream schools. They currently have over 140 on roll at the Academy, with 50 pupils being educated at our onsite provision.

Their unique school is centred around reigniting the love of learning and relational practice. Through a carefully selected programme of high-quality education and experiences, they help shape each pupil’s journey and support them in creating their individual success stories.

They offer outstanding teaching and learning and exceptional personal support in an inclusive, child-focused environment. This school is super passionate and dedicated to helping children succeed in and out of the classroom.