Deaf Academy launches appeal for sensory play area

The Deaf Academy has launched a £60,000 fundraising appeal to create a vibrant, inclusive sensory play area tailored for its Deaf students with complex additional needs.

The current outdoor space is outdated and no longer suitable for the Academy’s students, many of whom have vision impairments and learning difficulties.

Originally designed for younger children, the existing equipment does not meet their developmental or sensory requirements. The planned transformation will provide an environment that supports their physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.

The new play area will introduce resurfaced walkways, wheelchair-accessible structures, and interactive sensory elements. Features will include raised planters filled with fragrant herbs, climbing structures, balance beams, and a sunken trampoline to encourage movement and engagement. A covered seating area will help students develop communication skills, while a gazebo will provide a calming retreat for those needing sensory regulation.

Leading the project, Deaf Academy teacher Hannah Reeves explained the importance of the redevelopment:

“Our current outdoor space is tired, empty, and underused – a wasted opportunity. All of our students have additional needs, including vision impairments and learning difficulties, and they require a space that meets their sensory needs. This new play area will allow them to explore, engage, and develop essential life skills in a safe and supportive environment.”

To ensure the space is inclusive and future-proofed, the Academy has worked with staff from across the school and college to design an area incorporating sensory circuits. The project will also feature role-play sheds designed like a supermarket and café, allowing students to practise communication and life skills in a controlled setting before applying them in real-world scenarios.

“This vital project will enhance the educational experience of Deaf children and young people with additional needs, empowering them to reach their full potential,” Hannah added.

As a charity, the Deaf Academy provides specialist education, residential care, and support for Deaf young people aged 9 to 25. It also delivers free British Sign Language (BSL) weekends to families across the South West who have a Deaf child, helping parents and siblings learn essential communication skills. The new play area will provide a safe and welcoming environment for these sessions.

The fundraising effort is already underway, with parents, staff, and students coming together to support the campaign. Events include a fundraising auction, a sponsored walk with students, and a staff skydive. Debbie Elphick, a communication support worker at the Academy, recently completed her 11th marathon to raise money for the project.

For more information or to donate to the fundraising campaign, click here.