Special school staff have been ‘bowled over’ by an ‘outpouring’ of support after a vandal ruined a forest school storage unit.
Teachers at Castle Hill School, in Stockport, say an arsonist set fire to a shipping container over the half-term week, ruining the equipment pupils use. It means that children at the school are ‘so upset’ about the loss.
However, in the face of destruction, the Offerton community has come together to help Castle Hill, with more than £6,000 collected via an online fundraiser. Residents have also donated old wellies and coats to get students back to forest school.
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“As a school for children with special needs they get so much from being in a multi-sensory environment,” said John Hadley, a teacher at Castle Hill. “We have been back in for a week and we have been overwhelmed with the support.
“It’s been amazing. We have bowled over. There’s been an outpour. There’s been a huge coming-together for the subject.”
John, who has worked at the school for six years, added that the container is now ‘an eyesore’. The 38-year-old went on: “We don’t want to alarm any families who think the school is unsafe. What was damaged was a container on the grounds. Someone came in and set fire to it.”
One parent, Gemma Minshall, says her 12-year-old daughter Maddie has been left ‘so upset’ by the news. The Cheadle Hulme mum, 41, said: “The forest school, for these additional needs, is integral.
“She was so upset. It’s such an integral resource. Everybody can get involved. Her takeaway is that it’s fun, and she can toast marshmallows and go outdoors.”
You can donate to the fundraiser here.
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for comment.
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