Torquay's Mayfield School sends out an SOS

Supporters of Torquay's Mayfield School have sent out an SOS. Their appeal is to Save Our Soft Sensory Room.

The Friends of Mayfield Special School have launched a fundraising campaign to refurbish the special room

They say: "This essential space provides a safe and engaging environment for children with special educational needs to explore, develop, and thrive."

The soft play area is in urgent need of refurbishment. The current equipment is tired, broken, and worn-out, making it difficult for the pupils to benefit from this vital resource.

The refurbishment will include new specialized resources and equipment that will help the children develop key skills such as balance, movement, and gross motor skills.

Adam Tapp, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, says: "Our Soft Sensory Room is a crucial part of our school, providing a fun and safe space for our pupils to develop essential skills.

"We need your help to give our children the tools they need to overcome challenges and truly thrive."

Mayfield Special School provides education and care to 265 pupils aged two to 19, all of whom have an Education, Health & Care Plan and are diagnosed with a Special Education Need (Disability).

The school's vision is for every child is to have the education and support they need to grow and develop.

"Pupils thrive at Mayfield School," stated a recent Ofsted inspection report from June 2024. The school says it is immensely proud of this achievement and is committed to continuing to provide the best possible environment for its pupils.

The refurbishment of the Soft Sensory Room will bring numerous benefits to the children.

A fully functional room provides a fun and safe space where users can develop key skills such as balance, movement, and gross motor skills.

Sessions in the sensory room are valuable for improving physical coordination and strength, body awareness, and the use of language.

Additionally, sensory rooms help children with learning difficulties, developmental disabilities, or sensory processing impairments to interact with the world around them in a safe environment, building their confidence and ability.

The Friends aim to raise the necessary funds by March 31 2025, so they can begin planning the installation and have the refurbished Soft Sensory Room ready for opening in September.

To support the appeal visit GoFundMe page: Save our Soft Sensory Room at Mayfield Special School!

The Friends says: "Help us spread the word. Share our GoFundMe page on your social media platforms and encourage your friends and family to contribute. Use the hashtag #SaveOurSensoryRoom to join the conversation and show your support."