Bed appeal to help students join in all classroom activities

TEACHERS and supporters are raising money for a special bed that will enable students with profound and multiple learning difficulties to spend more time in the classroom.
Ciara Hayden finds the ACHEEVA bed better than her old oneCiara Hayden finds the ACHEEVA bed better than her old one
Ciara Hayden finds the ACHEEVA bed better than her old one

Oak Grove College, in Durrington, is a community generic special college providing education for students with learning difficulties from years seven to 14. The catchment area covers Worthing and the surrounding areas, from Southwick and Shoreham to Littlehampton, and inland as far as Steyning and Pulborough.

Geoff Earl, secretary of the Friends of Oak Grove College, said: “We currently have several PMLD students, many of whom would benefit greatly from the use of a specially-designed day bed, which offers them the comfort and support they require throughout the day.

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“The school has one of these beds and it is currently being used on a sharing basis throughout the day, which is in no way satisfactory.”

One of those to benefit is 13-year-old Ciara Hayden and the bed allows her to spend long periods of time in the lying position to join in all classroom activities.

Mr Earl said: “Ciara is a lovely young girl and a really wonderful student who deserves to be given the chance to have full-time use of one of these beds.

“The adjustability of the beds makes it easy to find a comfortable position for each user and they can be fully adjusted to the right height to enable students to better interact with their classmates and the classroom environment.”

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The ACHEEVA beds cost around £5,000 and teaching staff have been busy raising funds to buy another one for the college.

The Friends are hoping to spread the word, with the hope of raising enough money to buy two beds, to complement the existing one.

Mr Earl explained: “This is a charitable group whose aim is to increase the provision of additional resources, facilities and equipment in order to support the work of Oak Grove College.”

Any donations should be made payable to Oak Grove College and should be clearly identified for The Ciara Hayden Appeal.

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