Facility for children with physical disabilities upgraded

A new outside space is being constructed at the Keevill Unit at Speenhamland School

The revamp of a £1m school facility for children with physical disabilities will enhance the well-being of the pupils there, a headteacher has said.

A new outside space is being constructed at the Keevill Unit at Speenhamland School in Newbury, Berkshire.

It will include a sensory outdoor class, wheelchair-friendly track, and "story throne" area.

Headteacher Julie Lewry said: "The new provision will encourage our pupils to spend more time outdoors which in turn will enhance their well-being."

She said it would also "promote their physical development with a range of activities designed to increase cardiac fitness".

The unit first opened in 1973 and was named in memory of Don Keevill, a former deputy head at the school.

In 2024 West Berkshire Council invested £860,000 to refurbish an existing structure on the school site to provide two new classrooms, an outdoor learning zone, accessible toilet, and hoist for children with physical disabilities.

It was officially opened by paralympian Louise Sugden, a former Speenhamland and Keevill pupil who has competed both as a wheelchair basketball player and a powerlifter.

Former student, TV presenter and radio reporter Andy Stevenson will officially open the new facility

The newer outdoor project is costing £151,000, with work expected to be complete in early 2025.

It will be officially opened by former student Andy Stevenson, who now works as a TV presenter and radio reporter.

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."

Paralympian Louise Sugden was a Speenhamland and Keevill pupil

Heather Codling, in charge of children and family services at the council, said: "I can't wait to see this outdoor space completed so that pupils can enjoy wonderful learning environments both inside and out.

"It goes without saying that the Keevill Unit does amazing work and that their students are incredibly inspiring.

"Louise and Andy are testament to what can be achieved, and without a doubt, great education delivered in a great environment is what every child deserves."