Oxford school plans new facility with £28,500 needed

The school in Elms Road is aiming to transform the main play area and improve outdoor play opportunities.

A spokesman for Botley School said: “This will transform the main play area as there are no climbing structures at present.

“The pupils are very excited at the prospect, and it will add significantly to what Botley School can offer its present and future pupils.

“It will help pupils develop strength, coordination and balance, as well as enabling a lot of fun and many adventures.

“Such equipment also encourages teamwork, problem-solving and resilience.”

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The new climbing structure plan (Image: Botley School)

If successful, the school plans to install the equipment during the summer holidays in 2026.

The project has already received support from several organisations, including the Pye Charitable Settlement, the Doris Field Charitable Trust, Cumnor Parish Council, Botley and North Hinksey Parish Council, and Rotary Club North Oxford.

The Friends of Botley School pledged £5,000 towards the total and are continuing to raise funds through community events.

Property firm Bidwells has also offered a contribution, and the school has applied for a further grant from the Kier Foundation.

Additional support is being sought through a Crowdfunder campaign.

The climbing structure, named ‘Clamber Castle,’ was designed with input from the Pupil Council and aims to accommodate a range of ages, abilities, and needs.

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Botley School (Image: Botley School)

Features will include two towers, a mini climbing wall, an incline rope bridge, a slide, a roped access ramp, a fireman’s pole, a clamber stack, and a rope challenge crossing.

As an inclusive school with an Enhanced Pathway for pupils with special educational needs, Botley School is making accessibility a core part of the design.

The spokesman said: “We are including an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) panel to enable our non-verbal pupils to make the most of the new structure.”

The current 200 pupils of Botley School would benefit from the new climbing frame.

For some pupils with limited access to outdoor space outside of school, the equipment will be especially valuable.

The structure will also be used by Elite holiday clubs as part of the Holiday Activities and Food programme, which provides holiday childcare and activities for vulnerable children and families.

Botley School serves primary school aged children of all abilities.

A statement on the school website says: “Botley School is just outside Oxford city and we welcome all children and their parents to our school. We take pride in its wonderful and diverse community.”