News
13 November 2015Jonnie opens new sensory room at special school
A sensory room at a special school in Louth was officially opened by a gold Paralympian sprinting star.
Jonnie Peacock MBE is more accustomed to breaking through finishing tape but turned his hand to cutting the tape to open the new BT Sensory Room at St Bernard's Special School.
It provides bright lights and a relaxing atmosphere for students with physical and learning difficulties.
Many of the children at the school suffer from autism.
The BT ambassador added: "Here, they are having fun and learning at the same time. It is a great help to the teachers.
"It makes their job easier. To see the smiles on the children's faces makes it all worthwhile."
St Bernard's, in Wood Lane, caters for more than 60 students, aged two to 19 years, with a wide range of learning difficulties and encompassing associated difficulties, such as autism, communication difficulties, physical difficulties, profound and multiple disabilities and sensory impairment.
BT has a strong partnership with The Lord's Taverners charity, which started in 2010.
Together they have installed multi-sensory equipment in 26 schools in the UK, helping 18,000 children.
BT's regional board member Mark Wolfe said: "I am delighted that our partnership with The Lord's Taverners continues to flourish, with today's BT Sensory Room at St Bernard's School in Lincolnshire opening, another step has been taken on our journey to improving the lives of thousands of young people with disabilities."
Paul Robin, chief executive of The Lord's Taverners, said: "The new sensory room will benefit the teachers, carers and families of St Bernard's School's students and enhance the learning experience and future development of its pupils."
School chairman of Governors Rachel Pavitt said: "It is a wonderful facility.
"We are always looking for extra facilities for the children."
She said the new sensory room will be well used.
Kieran, 18, welcomed the visitors to the school and reminded them the school hosted the Egyptian Olympic weightlifting team in 2012 as they used the Meridian Leisure Centre across the road.
Lea Mason, executive head teacher, gave the visitors a guided tour of the school and its swimming pool facility.