Pupils at Two Rivers Primary School in Tamworth are benefiting from a charity funded sensory lodge, which will dramatically enhance their learning experience in a stimulating new environment.
Two Rivers Primary School caters for 128 students aged 4-11 years old, who have a range of learning and physical disabilities and associated difficulties such as autism, communication and sensory impairment.
The lodge, which has been funded and arranged by Simon’s Heroes children’s charity during the recent summer holidays, now stands in the school’s garden, and has created a calm, safe space away from the hustle and bustle of the main building for essential therapy sessions.
Multi-sensory equipment, including mood lighting, giant ooze tubes, talking photos albums, a music Boombox and soft furnishings, have been installed to help relax and stimulate the children, as well as engage them in a learning environment that suits their educational needs.
Funding for the £15,000 project was generously provided by a number of local businesses through corporate sponsorship, £3,000 of which was from a grant awarded by The Axis Foundation; the charitable arm of the family owned property services contractor. Each year the business donates a percentage of its profits to the foundation, which is then used to support charitable, individual and community based projects.
Members of Simon’s Heroes also gave a few hours of their time to paint the lodge once it was erected, ready for the children’s return.
Laura Slinn, Head of School, said: “At Two Rivers Primary School we work to support our families and children in Tamworth, this is why we are so pleased to have been supported by such an amazing local charity.
“Without the support of Simon’s Heroes we would not be able to offer a special and dedicated space within our school for the children to experience therapies and work on developing their wellbeing and engagement.
“In times of such financial hardship for schools, we have to save and fundraise for every aspect of school life. The fact that Simon’s Heroes were able to carry out this fantastic project for us means that the children will all benefit from this wellbeing lodge straight away.
“The charity has worked as a fantastic and energy filled team to raise money, but also to have a hands on approach to the project, from painting to carrying out football matches to raise funds. It has been brilliant to be involved with them at every turn. We cannot thank you enough.”
Simon’s Heroes Chairman, Justin Haywood, added: “I would just like to thank all of the businesses who contributed to this project and also to those members who gave their time to help complete it. To be able to provide the sensory lodge is a dream come true not only for us, but for the children now and in the future.”
Author: C Abbott.