Accessible play area opens for SEND children

The new play area caters for children aged two to 12 and offers three distinct themed zones

An accessible playground to make life easier for children with disabilities and special needs has opened.

Goring Parish Council partnered with specialists Proludic to create the facility at Bourdillon Field in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, for children aged two to 12.

Accessibility and inclusion is at the heart of its design which includes a sensory area, wheelchair-friendly equipment and a communications board for non-verbal children.

Chair of Goring Parish Council Sonia Lofthouse said: "This playground is a place for all children to play, learn and grow together."

It is the result of a long-term initiative launched in 2019 following a review of Goring's green spaces which highlighted the need for improved provisions for young children.

Councillors and parents worked together to help design the site.

The play area includes sensory play features including a rain wheel

Chair of the Playground Committee, Barbara Newman said: "Accessible design encourages interaction between children of all abilities.

"It helps develop empathy, understanding, and cooperation not just for children with additional needs, but for all children."

Ms Lofthouse added: "Our team of councillors and parent members worked tirelessly to create a space that truly meets the needs of our children."

District councillor Maggie Filipova-Rivers, who cut the ribbon at the opening, said: "Seeing so many excited children queuing to enter, with smiling parents and grandparents looking on, was truly one of the most joyous occasions I have had the pleasure of attending in my capacity of Goring's district and county councillor."

Accessibility and inclusion are at the heart of the brand new playground's design