Much-valued local specialist school, Park Lane School, was visited recently by Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, to review progress towards the school's ongoing fundraising initiatives to refurbish and update the hydrotherapy pool for its pupils.
David was joined on the visit by Ms Tandy Palmes, the Chair of Governors at Park Lane School, and its Headteacher, Ms Lorraine Warmer. They set out how the school's current hydrotherapy facilities are used by pupils on a daily basis and that, whilst this time is still beneficial to them, the facilities are in increasing need of upgrading. In particular, some pupils with additional physical needs face real challenges in getting in and out of the pool. As well as Park Lane pupils, the pool is used regularly by paediatric physiotherapists and children's swimming groups from elsewhere in the area, so there are also clear benefits to the wider community in upgrading these facilities
Ms Palmes and Ms Warmer explained that the school requires £100,000 to deliver this much-needed facility upgrade. David was impressed to learn that it has already raised over £50,000, thanks to the generous support of Beech Hall School, Poynton Round Table, and the school's parents, through the Friends of Park Lane School, which is a registered charity. The school and the charity are currently taking forward a range of other initiatives to help deliver this much-needed upgrade, including participating in the Co-op's Local Community Fund.
On his visit, David also took the opportunity to, once again, tour the school and see for himself the important work that the school does to help its pupils, many of whom have complex health and learning needs, achieve their full potential. He observed students taking part in lessons, where he saw first-hand how staff work closely with pupils to provide high-quality education and care, encouraging and supporting pupils with their own personal development.
Speaking after his visit, David said, "Park Lane School does vital work supporting local young people with a range of complex challenges to reach their full potential, and its hydrotherapy pool is undoubtedly one of its most treasured assets, used to help many of the school's least mobile children. I was pleased to hear about the positive steps the school is taking to reach its fundraising target to upgrade this highly-valued facility, and the further initiatives planned to achieve this important aim. I am grateful to the school's excellent governors and staff for their tireless efforts for pupils, and would ask local residents to be generous in their support for this important project."