Communication aids bring fun and learning to Queen’s Park in Loughborough

Published: Fri 16th August, 2024

  • Photo shows Cllr Anne Gray, the council’s lead member for waste, open spaces and leisure facilities, at Queen's Park in Loughborough.
    Photo shows Cllr Anne Gray, the council’s lead member for waste, open spaces and leisure facilities, at Queen's Park in Loughborough.

Two visual aids are helping children with learning difficulties to enjoy their visit to Queen’s Park in Loughborough this summer.

Charnwood Borough Council fitted the two communication boards in the parks play area in February this year and they have proven popular with children and parents alike.

The boards were created by Leicestershire SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) and contain letters, words, numbers and symbols specific to Queen’s Park, with the aim to assist children and young adults in their communication.

Councillor Anne Gray, the council’s lead member for waste, open spaces and leisure facilities said: “There are many children who struggle to communicate and express their thoughts and feelings, and these communication boards are a fantastic addition to the play area at Queen’s Park.

“The boards have helped make the play area a more inclusive space, and we hope that they have made it easier for autistic, neurodivergent and learning-disabled children to have a little more fun this summer.”

“Thank you to Leicestershire SEND Hub for designing the boards. I am certain that they will be a source of fun and learning for children visiting Queen’s Park from around the borough for years to come.”

The Leicestershire SEND Hub charity provides support for SEND families and works with local authorities, government, schools, the NHS, and parents/carers to collaborate and develop policies that improve the lives of disabled children in Leicestershire.

Find out more information at www.leicestershiresendhub.org.uk.

To find out more about Queen’s Park in Loughborough, visit www.charnwood.gov.uk/queenspark.