KIND-HEARTED volunteers came together to transform the school grounds of a special education needs and disability (SEND) school in Shirley.
More than 70 people spent a day painting and refurbishing Hazel Oak School to turn it into a welcoming and attractive environment, ready to welcome back pupils in the new academic year.
The volunteers helped to repaint six classrooms and corridors, as well as clearing an outdoor garden area, decorating outdoor equipment and improving the grounds generally.
The team also helped to repurpose 12 interactive screens, install a new mural and install some purpose-built furniture.
Hazel Oak School is an inclusive, all-age special school for children with a broad range of learning difficulties and support neurodiverse learners, including those with Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, speech, language and communication difficulties and social, emotional, and mental health needs.
The makeover took place after the Hazel Oak Road school reached out to The Education Exchange West Midlands who organised for the work to take place.
The Education Exchange West Midlands is an initiative that brings together leaders from schools and trusts across the region to collaborate, innovate, and make a tangible difference in education.
Some of those who helped out at Hazel Oak work for local companies who have contracts with local schools and trusts who kindly offered their services to support the project.
Andy Simms, headteacher at Hazel Oak School said: “Everyone at Hazel Oak School is so grateful to The Education Exchange West Midlands and all their volunteers for their hard work on our indoor and outdoor spaces.
“It’s incredible that educators from all across the region have come together to support us and I cannot wait to see the childrens’ faces light up when they return to school and see the makeover that has taken place.”
