Bellway installs inclusive swing at playground after appeal from local mum

An inclusive swing has been installed in the play area at a new housing development in Willand for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Bellway included the specially-designed swing in its plans for Fox Mill Gardens at the request of a local mum who lives at the development.

Stevie Anne Hutter contacted the housebuilder to ask if they could install the piece of equipment at the site so that her seven-year-old son Giles and other children with special educational needs and disabilities could use the facility.

Stevie, who moved onto the development with her son and husband Thomas in October 2024, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic that Bellway have been open to the inclusive swing and play equipment options in the new playground. Assistant Site Manager David Humberstone was instrumental in making it happen. The equipment allows neurodiverse children access to the park swing experience. The swing is universally usable so means it can be used by as many people as possible, both with disabilities and without.

“Being pushed on a swing is more than just a fun activity for children like Giles. It can help parents or caregivers provide support for a child struggling with autism and sensory processing disorder (SPD) as it provides sensory input. It positively impacts emotional regulation which can help calm the central nervous system, reduce anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation.

“Baby swings are too small for Giles now but he doesn’t have the understanding of a typical seven-year-old to be able to use the standard swings safely. He does not understand that he needs to hold on or hold himself up whilst being pushed. He could let go at any time and would just lean back and fall off.

“We used to have to drive 10 minutes to Sampford Peverell to find the nearest playground with an inclusive swing but now we can just walk round the corner with Giles and we are there.

“Having inclusive play equipment in the park allows children to form friendships with peers of different abilities. Children can learn about different disabilities in a positive way, and it encourages socialisation and helps build stronger more inclusive communities.”

Rachel Way, Senior Sales Manager at Bellway South West, said: “When Stevie told us about the difference that having an inclusive swing would make to Giles and other children, we were determined to make it happen.

“Our Sales Advisor, Jill Moores, worked closely with the site team to source the right equipment.

“Giles is a lovely boy and very popular with the site team at Fox Mill Gardens. It is fantastic to know that he is really enjoying playing on the inclusive swing in the new play area.

“Putting customers and communities at the heart of everything we do is one of the key pillars of our company-wide strategic vision, Better with Bellway. The provision of this inclusive swing at Fox Mill Gardens demonstrates how, through close engagement with local residents, we can help to improve the lives of people living in and around our developments.”

Bellway is building 125 homes at Fox Mill Gardens, on land off Meadow Park in the village and all homes have now been reserved. Work is now underway at Empress Gardens, a development of 41 homes in Tiverton. For more information see https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/south-west/empress-gardens.