A new partnership is set to transform inclusive play for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Play specialists ESP Play have teamed up with Variety, the children's charity, to help improve access to playgrounds for children across the UK.
The partnership will see ESP Play advising and fundraising alongside Variety to create better play facilities for disadvantaged and disabled children nationwide.
The first facility to benefit from this collaboration will be the Raleigh Education Trust in the Midlands, thanks to an initial £50,000 pledge from ESP Play.
The new playground, designed by ESP Play, will include custom-designed equipment which caters to children with physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges.
Andrew Wood, managing director of ESP Play, said: "Partnering with Variety marks a pivotal milestone in our mission to ensure every child can play together, regardless of ability.
"We are dedicated to raising the standards of inclusive play and setting a new benchmark for all play spaces."
The playground will allow children to engage in activities that enhance their development, with future projects planned for the North West.
Sean Kelly, CEO of Raleigh Education Trust, said: "As a trust that has been supporting children identified with special educational needs or disabilities for seven years, we understand firsthand how crucial outdoor play is for their development.
“With the right specialist equipment, we can give them the independence and creativity to explore and enjoy playing in a safe environment that allows them to simply enjoy being kids.
“It's about integration, not segregation. We want to create spaces where all children can interact, support one another and share the joy of play and education.
"The new playground will be a game-changer for our students."
Lyn Staunton, Variety development director, said: "This is a really important partnership between ESP Play and Variety that will help us as a charity to ensure more disabled and disadvantaged children can benefit from the access to play.
"Play has a profound impact on the outcomes of our youngsters, and through this partnership, we hope to provide the best opportunities we can for every child we support."
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