Sussex children’s charity launches appeal to fund outdoor learning space

A pioneering Sussex children’s charity is launching an eight-day fundraising appeal on Tuesday December 1 to build a 21st Century outdoor learning space for its severely disabled young people.
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Chailey Heritage Foundation is taking part in The Big Give Christmas Challenge - an annual match funding project.

The charity needs £12,000 of online donations from the public between midday on Tuesday 1st December and midday on Tuesday 8th December

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If that target is reached, the figure will be doubled by The Big Give and the playground will be created.

Chailey Heritage Lola SUS-200112-113048001Chailey Heritage Lola SUS-200112-113048001
Chailey Heritage Lola SUS-200112-113048001

Lola Skinner, aged nine, is from Seaford and a pupil at Chailey Heritage. She features in a promotional video for the campaign alongside her mum Verity. So too is Anastasia Buturin, aged six and also from Seaford.

Anastasia’s parents Cristina and Valentin said: “Chailey Heritage School has an excellent team of teachers and teaching assistants who have supported our daughter Anastasia since she joined at the age of four.

“A new play area would be a wonderful addition, giving her and her class mates the chance to play and learn outdoors, whether in their wheelchairs, or using their walkers or trikes.”

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Headteacher, Simon Yates, said the playground will make a huge difference to the pupils’ lives.

Chailey Heritage Anastasia SUS-200112-113035001Chailey Heritage Anastasia SUS-200112-113035001
Chailey Heritage Anastasia SUS-200112-113035001

He said: “Everyone is facing challenges with Covid 19 and this project will allow our pupils to both learn and play in a safe outdoor environment.

“It will also give easy access for wheelchairs from the classrooms straight into the playground and provide lots of learning opportunities in the fresh air.”

If enough money is raised, the outside area will be transformed into an interactive multisensory space including raised flower beds, a bridge and sensory activities.

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Along with a new sunshade and improved wheelchair access from the classrooms to the play area, the changes will enable young people to play outside come rain or shine and enable the young people to make their own choice as to where they want to play and learn.

Chailey Heritage outdoor learning area plan SUS-200112-113100001Chailey Heritage outdoor learning area plan SUS-200112-113100001
Chailey Heritage outdoor learning area plan SUS-200112-113100001

Jenna Durdle, Fundraising Manager, added: “Every donation really does count! With all donations being doubled between midday on December 1 and midday on December 8, it’s a great way to make your support go even further. We know 2020 has been a challenging year, but we remain truly grateful for whatever our supporters can contribute.”

Donations made online at www.chf.org.uk/BigGive will be matched when made between midday on Tuesday 1st December and midday on Tuesday 8th December.

Donations made as part of the Big Give Christmas Challenge are matched thanks to the generosity of Big Give Champions, including Sussex companies.

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The supporters are The Julia and Hans Rausing Trust, and pledgers Buxted Construction, PGL Building & Scaffolding, CJ Thorne, Sunninghill Construction and Adavirtual.

Chailey Heritage Foundation is a charity providing education, care and transition services to children and young adults with complex physical disabilities. Its mission is to give disabled children and young adults every opportunity to pursue their fullest potential.

Further information about Chailey Heritage Foundation can be found by Web - www.chf.org.uk, or YouTube - www.youtube.com/ChaileyHeritageFound

and Facebook - www.facebook.com/ChaileyHeritageFoundation.

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