Fundraisers, pupils, staff and families were invited to official opening of the Go Kart track as well as a new swing that was purchased for pupils to enjoy. As well as using the new equipment, guests enjoyed refreshments and a visit from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.  There were even some special guests: Mario and Luigi!

Doucecroft School is a specialist co-educational school for children and young people with autism and additional complex needs.

Fundraisers have been working hard since the launch of the ambitious fundraising campaign in 2020 to raise the money to improve the outdoor facilities for pupils which were in desperate need of an upgrade.

The Go Kart track could only be installed thanks to the generous support of the community.  Families of pupils, local businesses, Doucecroft staff and volunteers made donations, took on challenges and organised events to help reach our target. The charity also received donations from Trusts including the Arnold Clark Foundation, St James Place Foundation, Masonic Charitable Foundation and Persimmon Homes.

Some fundraisers really did go the extra mile, staff member Samantha Tapp ran a Half Marathon, parent Ben Horscroft took on a Peak District Ultra Challenge and even Headteacher Louise Parkinson got stuck in by taking on a very muddy fun run!

The go kart track is approximately half a kilometre long and provides a great opportunity to encourage physical activity but also supports visual co-ordination, social skills and of course, lots of fun!

Kate Hancock, Chief Executive of Autism Anglia that runs Doucecroft School said:

We are so grateful for the generosity of our community and everyone that has worked so hard to fundraise for this project.

Our pupils deserve good facilities to ensure the best learning environment for them and we couldn’t have done this without their support.

We have received some wonderful support from local businesses too, including Argenta who donated very generously to the project.

I’d also like to thank our committed staff team at the school who have put so much effort in to making this happen.

Installing the Go Kart Track was just the first phase of the improvements. The charity is now actively fundraising for the second phase which will see a new replacement playground installed including swings, a slide, talking tubes, a mega climbing and adventure unit as well as new safer flooring.

Phase 2:

At present some of the current play equipment is out of bounds to the children and is long overdue a revamp.

This playground is vital as it offers the pupils of Doucecroft a safe space to build confidence and self-esteem as well a chance to play and have fun like every child.

If you would like to support Doucecroft School by donating to the playground appeal please click the button below.

Happy Adventures Appeal