Sports presenter visits Cranleigh specialist school to open play area

Popular TV and radio sports presenter, John Inverdale, made a return visit to Jigsaw CABAS® School to formally open a new Early Years Play Area on behalf of the Wooden Spoon charity and Wentworth Golf Club.
John Inverdale visits Jigsaw CABASAE SchoolJohn Inverdale visits Jigsaw CABASAE School
John Inverdale visits Jigsaw CABASAE School

Jigsaw CABAS® School is a specialist day school committed to educating children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Based in Dunsfold, Jigsaw is one of only around 10 schools in the UK to use Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) as its teaching methodology.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It exists to improve the lives of children and families affected by autism through education, training and research.

Wooden Spoon’s donation of £10,710 has funded a play area specifically for Early Years pupils, aged 4 to 7 years, at the school. Equipment, including a Triple Water Trough, Flower Table, Water Tubes and Sandpit were purchased as they are generally considered to be the basic ingredients for effective sensory play.

People with autism can benefit greatly from sensory stimulation and Jigsaw’s new equipment will help to develop necessary skills by encouraging creativity, cooperative play, tactile play and fine motor skills.

Multi coloured fencing was also funded by Wooden Spoon, ensuring that the play area remains safe and secure for pupils at all times.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As Kate Grant, Executive Head of Jigsaw CABAS® School, said, “We feel incredibly fortunate to have received another significant donation from Wooden Spoon. Their support helps us in our aim of providing the very best we can for our pupils.

“I would like to thank Wooden Spoon and Wentworth Golf Club for making such a generous donation and to John Inverdale for taking the time to come and meet our pupils and teachers and to see first-hand what a difference this fantastic new facility has already made.”

Wooden Spoon previously supported Jigsaw in 2008 when they funded Sensory and Soft Play Rooms at the school and representatives from the charity were keen to hear about how the pupils had benefitted from their donation over the last five years.

Paul Taylor, Chairman of Wooden Spoon Surrey, commented: “All the projects that Wooden Spoon supports provide help to young people that enriches their lives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am delighted to ensure that the brilliant work at Jigsaw School is further enhanced and extended.”.

The final word has to go to one of Jigsaw’s Year 6 pupils who summed it up very succinctly when he said, “It’s fun!”.

For more information visit www.jigsawschool.co.uk alternatively, follow us on Twitter @jigsawtrust

Report and picture contributed by Jigsaw CABAS® School.