Children with additional needs or who are pre-verbal are reaping the benefits of new communication boards, which have recently been installed into the play areas of the district's parks.

The large, illustrated accessibility panels were created following consultation with parents and teachers at Evergreen School and have been part sponsored by Everest Clinic who work with children and adults needing autism and ADHD assessments and support.

Boards can be found at St Nicholas Park and Priory Park in Warwick as well as Jephson Gardens, Mill Gardens, Newbold Comyn and Victoria Park in Leamington Spa.

Ella Billiald, a teacher at Evergreen School said: "I had seen a communication board in a play area in Wales and was keen to introduce them to our local parks.

"Following this I worked closely with Widgit and the Green Spaces team at Warwick District Council to design both bespoke boards and generic boards providing pictorial symbols for those who struggle with language, so that anyone can communicate their needs, wants and interests." 

Pictured in the Mill Gardens; Dr Liv Coelho and Almir Coelho, Everest Clinic, Nick Evans- Executive Head Teacher and Ella Billiald- teacher at Evergreen School,

Cllr Will Roberts, Tom Jelley, Widgit, Sally Watts (WDC), Jonathan Sullivan,

Widgit, Richard Hales, Vice Chair of Governors at Evergreen School (image via Warwick District Council)

Nick Evans, executive headteacher at Evergreen School added: "It is absolutely wonderful to see the communication boards being installed in the parks and play areas across Warwick district.

"This initiative shows the Council's commitment to inclusivity and will make a huge difference to the culture and access of green spaces and play areas across the district.

"Evergreen School is proud to be part of such an inclusive and forward-thinking community who thinks carefully about how to support people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

"A huge thanks to the team at Widgit, Everest Clinic and the Council's Green Spaces team for their support in making this happen."

Each is bespoke to its location showing key features of the park such as the wildlife, play equipment, buildings or monuments along with generic pictures depicting emotions, questions or feelings.

Following positive feedback on the new accessibility project Warwick District Council's Green Spaces Team is planning to extend it to 49 other public parks within the district.