On the 23rd. of June, five members visited The Fountaindale Special Needs School built in a Woodland setting,on the outskirts of Mansfield.
A perfect sunny day, showed the new buildings and grounds to its advantage. Our lives are enriched, by the sharing with less able members of society.
Inspiring is the only word you could use to describe the staff, from the Principal, catering staff , physio, teaching, play coordinators and everyone involved, are happy smiling people! Positivity radiates from everyone, and many staff have been involved for years, and only leave due to retirement.
This facility is quite unique in the Country, in that now, children from the area,(Nottinghamshire, North Derbyshire, and Leicestershire), are referred from infancy to the school, and are catered for with a Curriculum Approach. Special attention is paid to early sensory stimulation,which can be described as, ‘Busy, Noisy, Messy and Fun!’
Key Stage 1 and 2 are observed from the National Curriculum, tailored to the individual, and with a strategy of Personal Development. Key Stage 3,4 and 5 are closely linked with the National Curriculum, and students are able to access the G.C.S.E. or other Accredited Courses.
Fundraising is vital, and there are still areas unfinished, (provision of a suitable football/softball area for example), rooms which await funds to purchase specialist equipment, improved landscaping, trips/holidays to learn and explore, which need staffing, often on a one to one basis!
We learnt so much, in a few hours, and left humbled but also uplifted, our thanks go to Principal, Mark Dengal, Byron Edwards,(fundraiser extraor
dinaire!), and all the staff who answered our questions with patience, smiles and enthusiasm
Fountaindale School has been rated OUTSTANDING by Ofsted Inspectors.
Photograph shows SI members, which includes current President Kathy Kings and Chief fundraiser Byron Edwards. A donation was given to the school.