Speenhamland School’s Keevil Unit for children with physical disabilities has unveiled a new £151k outdoor learning space
A TV presenter has returned to his old school to unveil a new outdoor learning space for children with physical disabilities, writes Sofia Gilks.
After undergoing a huge renovation project, the new outdoor area at the Keevill Unit at Speenhamland School was officially opened yesterday (Tuesday).
The school said it was an exciting development for the unit, which has acted as a learning space for children with physical disabilities since 1973.
The new space was opened by Andy Stevenson, a former Speenhamland student who attended the Keevill Unit between 1985 and 1992.
He has gone on to combine his passion for sport, writing, and public speaking skills to pursue a career in sports media, working in TV and radio to cover the Paris Olympics and Paralympics for BBC TV.
Mr Stevenson was born with very short arms and no hands and his left leg only comes down to knee level, so he wears a prosthetic leg on his left side.
He said: “When my parents moved to Berkshire in the mid-80s because of my dad’s job, the reason they settled in the Newbury area was almost entirely because they were so keen on me going to school at Speenhamland and benefitting from the brilliant Keevill Unit.
“It was such an important, happy time in my life and I owe everyone connected with the Keevill Unit such a lot.
“I’m honoured to be asked to open this new outside space which I’m sure is going to benefit dozens of children.”
Speaking to Mr Stevenson about the new space at the opening, he highlighted how it enables children to safely enjoy the wellbeing and physical benefits of being outdoors with the help and support of staff.
The physical and occupational therapists who work with the children at the unit said they are also overjoyed with the opportunities for physical development and confidence building this new space presents.
A wheelchair-friendly track encourages movement with self-propelled wheelchairs, while sensory elements such as a water feature and mirrors create a holistic playing experience for the children.
Julie Lewry, headteacher at Speenhamland, said the children’s reactions to the new space have been resoundingly positive.
“They absolutely love it,” she added.
“The smiles and the laughter - all the hard work that went into it, it’s for them and it’s all worthwhile.
“It’s benefitting them and it’s going to benefit [children] for years and years to come.”
The new outdoor project cost £151,000 and was funded by West Berkshire Council, while specialists Timotay Playscapes designed and built the space.
It followed an £860,000 refurbishment of an indoor and outdoor space in 2022, which provided features such as an accessible toilet and hoist and two new classrooms.
