Wooden Spoon Supports Opening of New Learning & Sensory Outdoor Area at the Deaf Academy
DevonBENEFICIARY: the Deaf Academy-Exmouth
OPENING DATE: 11/06/26
GRANT CONTRIBUTION: £10,000
GRANT DELIVERED: New shop and tearoom
Wooden Spoon representatives David Fowler, Kim Fowler, Barny Butterfield, Mike Hawkes and Tim Edbrooke were proud to have supported the official opening of the Deaf Academy’s brand‑new Learning and Sensory Outdoor Area in Exmouth. A vibrant, inclusive space designed for Deaf children and young people with additional needs. The celebration took place on 11th June, bringing together students, families, staff, and community partners to mark the completion of this transformative project.
A space designed for communication, confidence and joy
The new outdoor area provides a rich sensory environment that helps students develop communication skills, emotional regulation, and confidence. Features include vibration‑responsive panels, tactile pathways, interactive water play, an accessible trampoline, and calming quiet zones — all shaped with input from teachers, therapists, and physios to ensure the space meets the needs of Deaf learners with additional needs.
Two of our Wooden Spoon volunteers, David Fowler and Tim Edbrooke were spotted enjoying the trampolines just as much as the students, proof that you’re never too old to have fun!
Powered by community generosity
The project was made possible thanks to the dedication of specialist staff and the generosity of supporters who helped raise £50,000 to bring the vision to life. Wooden Spoon is proud to have specifically funded the new shop and tearoom, helping create a space where students can build confidence, practise real‑life skills, and enjoy meaningful social interaction. We were delighted to contribute alongside partners such as the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, Exmouth Tesco, and local Lions Clubs.
Volunteer teams from HSBC and Kitson Boyce also rolled up their sleeves, lending their DIY skills during the installation phase to help complete the space for students to enjoy
A celebration led by students
At the opening event, students proudly served refreshments from the new wooden “café” and “shop”, including special cakes marking the Academy’s 200th anniversary year, a joyful moment that showcased the real‑life learning opportunities the new area now provides.
Principal and CEO Sylvan Dewing expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, emphasising how every act of support has helped create a space where Deaf young people can learn, socialise, relax, and build essential life skills.
“A game‑changer for our students”
Head of School Rachel Stevens officially opened the area, describing it as a “game‑changer” for staff and students. Previously, the outdoor space was under‑used; now, students are so engaged and enthusiastic that staff “struggle to get them back indoors” because they enjoy it so much.
Designed with care
Exmouth‑based Splash Projects worked closely with the Academy to design and install the space, taking a bespoke deaf‑centred approach. Their team described the project as a privilege during the Academy’s bicentenary year and praised the collaborative effort that brought the outdoor area to life.
Wooden Spoon’s Commitment
This project reflects Wooden Spoon’s ongoing commitment to funding life‑changing facilities that support children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage. We are honoured to have played a part in creating a space that will bring joy, confidence, and meaningful learning experiences to Deaf students for many years to come. 🤍💙❤️💚
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