Sydney - Aspect Western Sydney School’s Wetherill Park campus has officially opened its newly enhanced outdoor learning and play spaces, marking an exciting new chapter in providing engaging and inclusive environments for students on the autism spectrum.
The extensive upgrades, completed this month, have transformed the school grounds into a dynamic outdoor learning hub featuring shaded classrooms, sensory-friendly play equipment, landscaped gardens and improved accessibility pathways. The enhancements were designed to support students’ sensory regulation, physical development and social connection in everyday school life.
Principal Michelle Zikmundovsky said these spaces will open up even more opportunities for learning, play and connection.
“Every feature has been designed with our students’ comfort, safety and sensory needs in mind, from the acoustic fencing that reduces external noise to the flexible play areas that encourage creativity and exploration.”
A purpose-built space
The revitalised outdoor area includes eight large shade sails, along with new climbing structures, swings, a sky climber, trampolines and slides set within a soft-fall surface. A covered outdoor amphitheatre provides a dedicated area for group learning, performances and assemblies, while break-out spaces adjoining classrooms create calm, transition-friendly zones.
Complementing these new areas are sensory gardens, retaining walls, and new ramps and resurfaced pathways, improving accessibility and providing inviting spaces for students to explore nature.
Mark Lovett a parent whose child attends Aspect Western Sydney School said it’s been wonderful to see how excited the students are about the new spaces.
“You can already see how these areas will help them grow, they’re places
where children can learn through play, build confidence, and find calm when they need it. It’s a really thoughtful upgrade that reflects how well the school understands its students,” said Mr Lovett.
A highlight of the project is the installation of a three-metre-high acoustic fence along Victoria Road, which has significantly reduced external noise levels, creating a calmer, more focused learning environment.
“For many of our students, reduced background noise makes a huge difference in being able to self-regulate,” added Ms Zikmundovsky. “The fence, combined with the new shaded and landscaped areas, helps create a sense of calm that supports learning and emotional wellbeing.”
Aspect Western Sydney School’s leadership worked closely with families throughout the design and construction process, providing regular updates and social stories to prepare students for changes to their environment.
Ms Zikmundovsky praised the school community, “We’re incredibly grateful to our staff, families and students for their patience and enthusiasm during the upgrades. Their input and understanding have been key to creating an outdoor environment that reflects the needs and spirit of our school community.”
The project aligns with Aspect’s broader mission to provide inclusive, autism-informed learning environments that support every student’s potential.
According to NDIS data more than 13,000 people in South Western Sydney are diagnosed on the autism spectrum.
For more information:
Karen Keech 0411 052 408 karen@establishedpr.com.au
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)
is one of Australia’s largest autism-specific service providers, with one of the world’s most extensive autism-specific educational programs. A not-for-profit organisation, we work in partnership with people of all ages on the autism spectrum to co-develop, co-produce and co-deliver supports and services that are individualised, goal driven and grounded in evidence-based practices.
