St Nicholas School in Canterbury caters for around 360 pupils aged between four and 16 with profound, severe and complex special needs. Some of the most common conditions affecting the young people are cerebral palsy, global developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
The school are redeveloping their soft play room to make it more stimulating and exciting for children and young people, which will encourage them to engage with their individual therapy programmes. Many of the pupils have physiotherapy and occupational therapy programmes focusing on their mobility, gross and fine motor skills. Equipment such as a ceiling-mounted therapy swing will help them develop these skills. Some pupils also have significant challenges with their social, emotional and mental health. The soft play area will provide a calm and safe space, offering a healthy outlet for emotions such as stress, frustration and anxiety. It will also be a fun and rewarding environment for the children where they can play and form friendships with others.
