Revamped outside space at Keevill Unit officially open

The newly revamped outside space at the Keevill Unit at Speenhamland School, Newbury was officially opened by former student Andy Stevenson this week.

First opened in 1973 and named in memory of Don Keevill, a former Deputy Head at the school, the unit is a brilliant learning space for children with physical disabilities.

The outside space project builds on a larger project. Two years ago, West Berkshire Council invested £860,000 to refurbish an existing structure on the school site into an inspiring learning environment providing two new classrooms, a designated outdoor learning zone, accessible toilet and hoist for children with physical disabilities and extra indoor and outdoor space, for all pupils to enjoy.

Paralympian Louise Sugden, a former Speenhamland and Keevill pupil who has competed both as a former wheelchair basketball player and current powerlifter officially opened the building in 2022.

West Berkshire Council  provided the £151k funding to enable the school to oversee the work on the outdoor space project and appoint specialists, Timotay Playscapes, to design and build the new area.

The new space was officially opened by Andy Stevenson, a former Speenhamland student who was part of the Keevill Unit between 1985 and 1992. He has gone on to work as a TV Presenter and Radio Reporter, including covering the Paris Olympics and Paralympics for BBC TV and American broadcaster NBC.

Andy was born with very short arms and no hands. His left leg only comes down to knee level, so he wears a prosthetic leg on his left side. He was passionate about sport from a young age and has combined that passion with his skill for writing and public speaking to pursue a career in sports media, beginning at BBC Radio Berkshire in 2004.

Andy says,

"When my parents moved to Berkshire in the mid-80's because of my Dad's job, the reason they settled in the Newbury area was almost entirely because they were so keen on me going to school at Speenhamland and benefitting from the brilliant Keevill Unit.

"It was such an important, happy time in my life and I owe everyone connected with the Keevill Unit such a lot. I'm honoured to be asked to open this new outside space which I'm sure is going to benefit dozens of children."

Julie Lewry, Headteacher at Speenhamland says,

"We are so excited with the opening of the new Keevill outdoor space at Speenhamland School. Our Keevill pupils are already enjoying the newly designed space which includes a sensory outdoor class, wheelchair-friendly track and 'story throne' area.

"The new provision will encourage our pupils to spend more time outdoors which in turn will enhance their well-being. Additionally, the space will promote their physical development with a range of activities designed to increase cardiac fitness. We are extremely grateful for the funding and support from West Berkshire Council."  

Heather Codling, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Children and Family Services says,

"It's very exciting to see pupils enjoying wonderful learning environments both inside and out."

"It goes without saying that the Keevill Unit does amazing work and that their students are incredibly inspiring. Louise and Andy are testament to what can be achieved, and without a doubt, great education delivered in a great environment is what every child deserves."