Foxfield School in Birkenhead meets the needs of secondary school pupils in the Wirral with complex learning difficulties or profound and multiple learning difficulties. Many also have sensory impairments or physical difficulties. The school has asked for our help to provide an Acheeva Graduate Bed, a special learning station which allows physically disabled pupils to work in a supported, balanced lying posture, giving them relief from sitting in a wheelchair all day. It is compact and easily moveable, and the height and angle can be adjusted so the child is at eye level with others, helping with any visual impairment when studying.
Head teacher André Baird says: “We want to purchase an Acheeva Bed that can support children in school recovering from major surgery who need to be comfortably supported and positioned in the classroom, so that they can make a successful return to full-time education as soon as possible. This is quite a regular need given the growing number of pupils at Foxfield and their increasingly complex physical and health needs.”
MedEquip4Kids has provided Acheeva learning stations for other schools over the last five years including The Birches School, Manchester, Lancasterian School, Manchester, Park Lane Special School, Macclesfield, Kings Mill Special School, East Yorkshire, and Firwood School, Bolton. Below is some feedback on the Acheevas we provided for Kings Mill School:
“The contribution of two Acheeva work stations has enhanced what we can offer to many children and students. Two young men are now able to access the larger workstations and their care and quality of life has improved dramatically. Michael is using the equipment donated by your fundraising commitment. He now has the extra-large learning station available every day. Please thank everyone on our behalf who raised the money.” Andy Tearle, Deputy Headteacher.
“Thank you so much for funding two larger Acheeva beds for our school. Our students need to have regular physiotherapy. This usually means missing class time, which they don’t like. With the longer beds the students can now receive their physio and still access their lessons. Also the wheelchair users need changes in position. This can be difficult to achieve, but with the Acheeva beds the students can lay down on their back, side or front and still remain in the class with their peers. As the new beds are longer, our bigger students are no longer excluded from using them, making both staff and students happy.” Elaine Hildred, Moving and Handling Co-ordinator.
We want to help Foxfield School acquire this equipment, which will greatly benefit 12 pupils who struggle to learn in comfort because of their physical issues. If you can help us, please donate here. Thank you so much.
