CHILDREN with special educational needs at a Knowle school have been enjoying a de-escalation and sensory room thanks to a generous donation.
The room was created at Springfield House School, which provides for the special educational needs of young people, aged five to 11, who experience social, emotional and mental health difficulties, thanks to Knowle and Dorridge Round Table and Shirley Round Table.
They used the £25,000 collected at the group’s events including Santa sleigh routes, the Knowle and Dorridge Beer Festival and Dorridge Day to turn what had been described as ‘a waiting room in a disused train station’ into a place of calm and exploration.
Children go to the school from all over the Birmingham and Solihull area, after mainstream education has been unsuccessful and some of the children have experienced traumas with some also managing Autism, ADHD, foetal alcohol syndrome and other challenges.
Knowle and Dorridge Round Table say Council funding only covers the costs of running the school and small amounts of maintenance.
So when the school approached them the group were more than happy to help out where it could by making its biggest single donation in its 60-year history.
It added: “We were approached by Springfield House school and their story was so compelling that not only did we provide the full funding for the project, our members also gave their time and expertise to support the school.
“Members of our group have also provided, skills to help write compelling funding requests to central government for further renovations, as well as provide the builders who undertook the work.
“The renovation completed over the summer holidays and now the new rooms are an absolute favourite with staff and children alike and will be pivotal in supporting the education and development of the pupils throughout the coming years.”
