6-year-old Lower Stondon girl raises hundreds of pounds for special school’s playground
A young girl with special needs from Lower Stondon has raised hundreds of pounds for her school to upgrade its outdoor play equipment.
Isla Stewart, six, has been going to the Chilterns School since February 2025. When she started, she was non-verbal, and in a year, she can now sing and say some words.
To thank the school and ensure that other children have the best experience possible at the setting, Isla and her family raised money to invest in its playground.
Her grandmother, Amanda Culshaw, said: “The work and passion the school has for their pupils is outstanding. It has helped Isla so much, and with her progress in life.
“She has severe autism, is epileptic, has a muscle disorder and brain lesions.”
The special school has various outdoor equipment for the pupils to use, something that Isla enjoys.
Amanda explained: “Her everyday schooling has been such a pleasure to see her grow so much.”
Amanda runs a hair salon in Hertfordshire and chipped in to raise money for the school.
Working alongside Karen Unsworth, part of Supporters of the Chiltern School, £830 has been donated to make the outdoor space suitable for the learning of the 360 students.
Karen said: “Access to outdoor space, play and equipment is vital to our pupils' development, regulation and learning.”
The school recently opened a new building, but needed funding to make the outside ready for their pupils to learn.
Amanda added: “We are all so overwhelmed and so happy at her progress since being at the Chilterns School, I really don’t know how to thank all the staff for all their help, support and devotion to Isla.
“She is our world, and to see how far she has come is so emotional.”
In total, the school needs £350,000 to develop the playground completely.
You can donate here.