EDUCATION - SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
The Bright Futures Care Group is responsible for specialist care and education across the Northwest for children with a wide range of needs.
One of its schools includes Willow Tree Park which provides high quality education to students from the age of 5 to 25, with emphasis on lifelong learning, ensuring all students have every opportunity to maximize their potential.
Recognising the amazing benefits of physical activity on health and wellbeing, Fresh Air Fitness was tasked with devising an exciting outdoor gym solution for the whole school community.
The equipment chosen would have to be varied enough to improve strength, stamina, flexibility and balance, whilst being age appropriate, enjoyable and great fun to use!
Fresh Air Fitness needed to work closely with the senior leadership team to select a wide range of equipment that would be enjoyed by everyone – across all ages and all abilities.
It was critical that the equipment chosen catered to different interests and allowed children to balance, swing, climb and feel encouraged to try something new!
The outdoor gym zone had to appeal to children and young people by incorporating interactive features to create a dynamic experience.
Children love to test their skills and push their limits so equipment which allowed them to vary difficulty – such as going further, going in reverse or balance challenges would provide development opportunities for strength, coordination and confidence!
Given the wide range of ages, Fresh Air Fitness selected a diverse range of products separated into workout zones.
For older pupils, the solution included a dynamic resistance piece and static pieces to both engage pupils as well obtaining the mental and physical benefits of exercise.
The full range of equipment included:
• Balance Beams
• Combi: Pull Down and Chest Press
• Sit Up Bench
For younger children, the Children's Fitness Rig, offered a wide range of options for pupils to try.
Built-in Tai Chi spinners enhance coordination and sensory functions and the integrated arm bike provided enhanced flexibility. The seated leg press offered a strength option and the ever-popular monkey bars provide hours of fun and challenge for children who love to traverse forwards, backwards, sideways and at speed!
In order to enhance more social interaction and agility, Fresh Air Fitness recommended and installed a Table Tennis Table
into an astroturf area.
By using the wide breadth of equipment options available, Fresh Air Fitness was able to provide equipment solutions for the full range of ages, as well as options to enhance coordination, agility and sensory functions.
The outdoor gym was installed into matting which allows grass to grow back through for a natural finish. This is ideal for connecting those with sensory issues with the natural environment. The bonus for the caretaker, is that you can even mow over them with the lawnmower!
Fresh Air Fitness is an award-winning provider of outdoor gym equipment for schools who support children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities.
Our in-house team offers an end-to-end service from design and manufacture to installation and after-care.
Ou children's range of outdoor fitness equipment is one of the largest in the UK and we continue to promote the amazing benefits outdoor exercise has for children with special educational needs.
At Fresh Air Fitness we have a team of experts who can signpost your team to many funding options, which could part fund or, in plenty of cases, fully fund your outdoor gym project.
We have already supported colleges, community groups, councils, schools, and charities across the UK. FREE downloadable guide on Funding.
Fresh Air Fitness has a range of special offer packages, including two bespoke SEND Schools packages. These packages combine some of the most popular equipment in an inclusive price package - including delivery and installation.
If you would like to speak to a person, one of the Fresh Air Fitness team would be delighted to assist with your enquiry on 01483 357289 (South) or 0151 3293550 (North).
