AN OUTDOOR classroom has been created at a special needs primary school in Warwick.
Ridgeway Primary School was visited by a team of volunteers from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) which worked with Evelyn’s Gift, a local charity providing acts of kindness to those in need.
The volunteers created a wheelchair-friendly ‘forest school’ including classroom made from a kit, bark path and refurbished two huts. The team also renovated an outdoor ‘mud kitchen’ and music wall which were recently purchased by the school as areas for the youngsters to play, learn and enjoy making different sounds.
Helen Smith, founder of Evelyn’s Gift said: “We are delighted to work with Jaguar Land Rover to transform an outdoor space that is so important to the children. The atmosphere at Ridgeway School is inspirational and it is a privilege to be involved.”
The outdoor classroom was paid for by JLR, a local church fund and a donation in memory of former pupil Laura Dillon.
JLR volunteer Vita Bakunas said: “We’ve enjoyed contributing our time to help improve the community we live and work in. We hope all the children will enjoy learning and playing in the Forest School, including wheelchair users who previously couldn’t access this area.”
Evelyn’s Gift was set up in memory of Helen’s daughter Evelyn, who passed away suddenly in 2013 when she was just seven-years-old. The charity and JLR have already worked together this year on projects including the creation of a wildlife area, pond and allotment at Myton School and gardening at St Michael’s psychiatric hospital.
