Simon’s Heroes children’s charity has enhanced the outdoor space at the Rainbow Room / Ankermoor Primary, a specialist provision for children with additional needs in the Tamworth area.
The charity has provided outdoor storage, play equipment, facias for one of the planters, and an artistic splash of colour to enrich the area and make it more accessible for year-round use.
The Rainbow Room, operated by Two Rivers Primary School, had recently been relocated and its new outdoor space had drastically reduced in size and needed some attention. The area was overgrown, weather-dependent, and lacked usable facilities.
Mel Brindley, Rainbow Room Lead, reached out to the charity for support to see if it could help cover the cost of revitalising the space.
‘Our provision revolves around therapeutic approaches and a functional outdoor space is essential for enhancing the opportunities we offer to the children,’ said Mel. ‘With our reduced space we needed weatherproof storage to protect our resources. The raised beds were rotting and overgrown, so we wanted to replace them and help the children grow herbs, fruits and vegetables, giving them a sense of achievement and purpose. Additionally, we wanted a sand and water tray to support exploratory outdoor play.’
Simon’s Heroes answered the call by supplying a heavy-duty shed to free up indoor space, cladding one of the existing planters to make it safer, purchasing a raised wooden sand pit, and donating a water play station. To brighten the space even further, the charity’s members volunteered their time to paint a colourful rainbow mural on one of the walls. These thoughtful additions have transformed the courtyard into a more versatile, welcoming, and inspiring environment for the children.
‘We are thrilled with our new facilities,’ Mel added. ‘Not only will they support the children in the Rainbow Room, but they will also benefit SEND children attending Ankermoor Primary Academy. Thank you to Simon’s Heroes for your continued support.’
The Rainbow Room is a vital resource for children in mainstream schools across Tamworth, offering therapeutic and educational support for those with speech, language, emotional, social and learning difficulties, including ADHD and autism. It plays a vital role in building self-confidence, improving concentration and fostering social skills in children who need it most. With just one classroom and a small courtyard, these enhancements ensure the space can be used to its fullest potential.
Simon’s Heroes would like to extend its thanks to Elliot Flannagan of Flantastic Timbers who supplied the planters and facias, and to the Simon’s Heroes members who generously gave their time to paint the mural and help bring the vision to life.
C Abbott.
