STUDENTS from Westfield Arts College are enjoying and benefitting from a new outdoor ‘green gym’, thanks to some specialist funding and donations.

The gym has been installed on the school field and includes several pieces of equipment which were specially chosen to benefit all pupils. Three of the pieces are designed to be wheelchair accessible..

Wessex Grounds Services worked with the school to develop a bright and interesting outdoor space. This included the installation of a new ramp, which makes the field and the gym equipment accessible to everyone.

The idea for the gym came from students when a funding opportunity for outdoor spaces was shared by the Local Authority.

Westfield put in a bid for funding to be able to create an accessible gym which could be used to support not only the students’ fitness but also their emotional wellbeing. It is often reported that regular exercise has huge benefits on mental health, and this was a key driver in the schools’ plan.

Westfield Arts College provides for 208 students who have learning difficulties and autism. Many of the students need regular sensory breaks to help them regulate their energy levels and anxiety.

Since installing the Green Gym, the school has seen the enormous benefits that it gives to students in helping them to be in a ‘just right’ state for learning.

Head of Sport, Jimmy Dailey, said: "It is wonderful to see the impact the new green gym has had on all of our pupils regardless of their ability.

"We had a clear aim at the start of this project for this to be accessible to all pupils at the school and we have achieved this in abundance. I’m very excited and pleased with the outcome."

The project was partly funded by the grant which the school applied for but also by generous donations from Hanger’s Heroes, a Weymouth-based charity, and by the Friends of Westfield, a group of parent carers and staff who support the school with fundraising events.

Seán Kretz, headteacher, said: "We are grateful to everyone who helped to fund the Green Gym and the access ramp. This has opened up a range of opportunities which are inclusive for all our pupils."

"It’s wonderful to see the gym equipment being so widely used, both for fitness and leisure, but also by pupils who are choosing to regulate themselves.

"This is having a noticeable impact on their readiness for learning and their general wellbeing. These days it’s so important to give young people opportunities to be outside and away from technology, and this is perfect for that."