Pupils at a North Warwickshire school will soon be able to de-stress in a new sensory room complete with lights, water feature, bean bags and a ‘calming booth.’
The oasis of peace being created at Dordon Primary School has been funded by shoppers at the local Tamworth Co-op convenience store. Their generosity in donating the dividends earned on purchases resulted in the school receiving more than £1,000.
The cash was allocated from Tamworth Co-op’s Community Dividend Fund which has raised more than £100,000 for worthwhile causes over the past decade. This year it is supporting 12 schools, with each one linked to a different store on its doorstep.
Sinead McGroarty, associate headteacher at Dordon Primary School, says the sensory room will benefit children who are experiencing problems with social and emotional wellbeing.
“Children in Key Stage 2, aged between seven and eleven, will all have the opportunity to use this space during the academic year, but around 30 pupils may use it more regularly.
“We feel honoured to be viewed as such a meaningful part of the community and are thrilled to have received such a huge donation. Through this kindness we will be able to support the wellbeing of our pupils on a daily basis, enabling them to shine even brighter.
“We are based in an ex-mining community here at Dordon which we still hold dear to our hearts. We have a mining wheel logo on our school jumpers, so we do not forget the importance of community and our history.”
The cheque for £1,067 was presented to the school by Emily Hopkins, senior supervisor at the Tamworth Co-op convenience store in Dordon.
“Our customers have been amazing in raising such a large amount for the school and I’d like to thank them all,” she said.
“It’s good to know that the money is being spent on a new facility which will bring pupils peace and calm when they need it most.”