Aberdeen private school’s playpark project recognised in Holyrood

Once open, the playpark at Camphill School Aberdeen will be free at the point of access for all children and young people with sensory disorders who would benefit from accessing relaxed play sessions.

A parliamentary motion was lodged and then presented to the school by Liam Kerr, a Conservative MSP for the North East Scotland region. It received cross-party support from local and national MSPs.

Camphill School Aberdeen provides day and residential services to children and young people with learning disabilities and complex additional support needs, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.

The playground, which is to be built at the charity’s Camphill Estate campus, near Milltimber, has been designed to reduce sensory overload and engage sensory experiences such as touch, sight, sound and smell. The design also includes a diverse range of colours, natural textures, sounds and interactive features that encourage exploration and play, fostering a holistic approach to child development.

When open, the playground will be accessible through a booking system.

Camphill School Aberdeen unveiled plans for the playground project in February having received £250,976 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is supported by Aberdeen City Council.

The donation will support the development of one of three zones that will make up the playground. Camphill School Aberdeen is still fundraising for the remaining two zones and really needs to secure additional public support to ensure they can create this transformational space.

Alex Busch, executive director at Camphill School Aberdeen, said: “It is an honour to have the Scottish Parliament recognise our inclusive outdoor sensory adventure and learning playground and we thank Liam Kerr MSP for raising the motion and all parties that supported it.

“The playground will be the first of its kind in Aberdeen and has been co-designed by the young people here at Camphill School Aberdeen to ensure it meets the needs of the children and young people who will use the playground when it opens. We are also very proud that it has been endorsed by the National Autistic Society.”

The launch of this project is part of the charity’s wider Building Futures, Transforming Lives campaign which aims to raise £10 million in 10 years. The campaign will allow the charity to open its doors to more young people with learning disabilities and their families who desperately need specialist support, increasing its capacity by 60% over 10 years.

The construction of phase one of this appeal is currently underway. A new 11-bedroom residential home and a sustainable social enterprise, Murtle Market, are being built on the charity’s Murtle Estate in Bieldside.

Mr Kerr said: “Camphill School Aberdeen’s Building Futures, Transforming Lives appeal is a wonderful campaign that is truly making a difference. It was great to visit Camphill Estate to see firsthand the impact the charity’s work has on its children and young people.

“I was delighted to raise a parliamentary motion to recognise the launch of the first fully inclusive outdoor sensory adventure playground in Aberdeen. Every child has the right to access play so this project is vital to the lives of local children with sensory disorders.”