Inspiring Projects- Pinewood School, West Lothian

Pinewood School in Blackburn is the only school in West Lothian which caters for children aged 5 to 18 who have a range of additional needs such as autism, Down’s syndrome and children with physical disabilities.

In May 2008, two parents decided to embark on an ambitious project; to raise enough money to install a fantastic playground for the children that attend the school. Due to their varied disabilities, the children at Pinewood School do not have the same opportunities to access community play parks, and replacing the schools tired playground with a safe, stimulating one, would really enhance the children’s lives.

By August, the funds had begun to rise rapidly, to £60,000, and the school were informed that they had been short-listed for the Big Lottery Peoples Millions awards. Peoples Millions is a joint venture between The Big Lottery and ITV that funds projects that benefit local communities and those most in need. When a short film on why their project deserved the funding was aired on ITV alongside another project selected as a finalist, the viewers voted and Pinewood School received over 12,800 votes to secure the £50,000 funding they needed. Only 5 months after beginning the journey to raise £100,000 they had exceeded this by £15,000 and could go ahead with the play area they had dreamed of.

Pinewood School contacted Jupiter Play, Inclusive Play’s sister company, when they started fundraising in May 2008 with a design brief ‘to create a safe and stimulating play area for children aged 5-18 with a range of additional needs and physical disabilities’.

Once the Big Lottery had confirmed the funding, Pinewood School contacted 3 play provision companies and issued a tender. Working to a tight deadline, Jupiter Play were able to source equipment meeting all the needs highlighted in the tender and create a truly inclusive, stimulating and challenging play area for all of the children to enjoy.

The equipment selected offers a wide range of play opportunities, from musical play with the drums, chimes and rain stick to an outdoor classroom for alfresco learning and the Inclusive Play Exosphere for competitive and interactive play.

These play opportunities are important for all children but can be a lifeline for children with learning difficulties or physical disabilities to give them a sense of self, boost their confidence and allow them to make their own choices.

‘Jupiter Play’s design was carefully thought out and the equipment had been specifically chosen to meet the needs of the children. We are thrilled with the final design.’
Lynsey Findlay- Treasurer, Pinewood School Parents Association

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