'Our Sunshine Room is the heartbeat of our school' £20k revamp of rooms brings joy and tears
“It's basically the core of the school and a safe place for our children.”
Pupils at a local primary are benefiting from brighter school days after Elite Competitions funded a £20K makeover of their ‘safe space’ Sunshine Room.
Children attending Charles Saer Primary School in Fleetwood now have sensory play areas, two indoor nest swings, a ball pit, quiet corners, new toys, soft flooring, a shared dining area, sofa seating around a TV and a brand new kitchen.
The revamp was much needed to help them regulate their emotions in a secure environment, and enable them to return to classrooms ready for learning throughout the rest of their school day.
Explaining the importance of the Sunshine Room to Charles Saer pupils, pastoral team member Laurie Webb said: “Our Sunshine Room is the heartbeat of our school.
“It's basically the core of the school and a safe place for our children. It is a quiet refuge where children’s worries are met with kindness, helping them to feel safe enough to heal, grow and shine again.”
The room, which was initially set up 15 years-ago to support eight pupils, had become increasingly essential to daily life at the school. But demand meant it was in need of its own care and attention, before Elite Competitions agreed to fund its transformation. The Blackpool company took a full inventory of what was needed and appointed a specialist interior designer to complete the work before revealing the new space to the school children who will use it.
Reacting to the £20,000 refurb, Laurie said: “It's absolutely brilliant. It's just amazing. The revamp is incredible. The children couldn't believe it and most of the staff cried when they saw it.
“I think it's the way it's designed. It doesn't look like a classroom anymore and that opens up all opportunities.
“I can sit and have a conversation on the couch while they are working. We can play Lego on the carpet together. This morning, I made them breakfast and they washed up, then we sat down and had a chat. They went to learn and I didn't see them again. That's absolutely brilliant.”
Revealing the reasons for Charles Saer pupils needing the room during their school days, Laurie added: “Many of our pupils benefit from additional emotional support during the school day. Some have special educational needs, and others may be navigating a range of personal challenges or
past experiences. They need that time to talk, away from the classroom environment, and having a place to come and air their feelings is needed. They just need that home from home.
“The Sunshine Room is open throughout the whole day. It's where they feel that they can just open up to you about anything and everything. It is a really big stepping stone for those children getting ready to go back into class.”
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“We call them our ‘Sunshiners’ and they always come back to talk, tell us what they are up to and sometimes to ask for help and support. Some have even come back to show us their babies.”
Elite Competitions CEO Alex Beckett said: “When we first heard what the Sunshine Room means to the children and staff, we knew this was something really special to be part of.
“Spaces like this give children the chance to feel calm, safe and supported when they need it most, and that can make a lasting difference to their confidence and their future.
“Seeing the reaction from both pupils and teachers has been incredibly moving, and we’re proud that Elite Competitions could help to create something that will support children now and others later.”