Pupils of Bluebells class at Taghmon NS enjoy new sensory playground

By Ellen O'Brien

Taghmon NS have opened a new sensory playground for their Bluebells class. Work for the new playground started last October and now the children are enjoying it.

Nicole Keogh, class teacher, thanked the sponsors that helped make the playground a possibility: “Trend Technologies in Mullingar sponsored us for over €3000, which we could contribute towards Astroturf; Kilmurray’s Hardware supplied us with a big picnic bench, the Irish Autism Society provided a Berg trampoline as part of a jump for autism initiative. Val Brennan groundworks put it all together for us.”

Ms Keogh said the playground is already having a positive effect on pupils: “It’s brilliant, it’s far more interactive, it meets all their sensory and behavioural needs, they’ve got so many more choices now of things to do on their lunch breaks. It’s also great for their motor skills.

"We’re working on a reverse integration method as well, so that mainstream classes and infants can come in and rotate over the week and play with the children in this space. It’s a safe space for them.”

Tracy Meade, school principal at Taghmon expressed her “delight at the introduction of the playground to our school and it will be of great benefit to the pupils”.

“The children in the Bluebells class have had a fantastic first year here in Taghmon and have been a wonderful addition to the school community. We are grateful to all who have helped to make this playground a reality and look forward to seeing the Bluebells class continue to thrive under the incredible stewardship of the class teacher Nicole Keogh and her wonderful SNAs Linda Raeside and Fiona McIntyre.”