The Village is part of the national ‘Building Schools for the Future’ (BSF) scheme which is the biggest single government investment in improving school buildings for over 50 years. Manchester has secured funding to rebuild or remodel nine secondary and seven Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools as part of the first wave of BSF investments. The refurbishments are being carried out by Laing O’Rourke and Balfour Beatty Construction Ltd, as part of a Framework Partnership.

 

Graham Fenton, Project Manager from Laing O’ Rourke commented, “We’re extremely proud to be delivering a fantastic new education village to Higher Blackley as part of the ‘Building Schools for the Future’ scheme. The whole team feels privileged to be constructing a school that will provide inspirational teaching space and ultimately improve the educational environment for our young people”.

 

Having evaluated a number of manufacturers it was decided that Arjo could supply a number of solutions that would meet the needs of the school. Consequently an order was received to provide 14 Maxi Sky 600 patient ceiling hoist systems, 6 Concerto shower trolleys and a Mark 1 Pool Lift to the state of the art facility due to open in early 2009. 

 

Arjo equipment enables pupils with SEN complete access to mainstream school facilities. Thus allowing young people with diverse requirements to go to school with their friends or siblings and develop skills together in an environment where learning and emotional needs can be fulfilled.

 

Councillor Sheila Newman, Executive Member Children’s Services, Manchester City Council agrees, stating “Educating children of different abilities and physical and emotional needs together promotes tolerance, understanding and acceptance, all of which will help the young people develop into well rounded adults”.

 

The Maxi Sky 600 is a ceiling lift system that enables pupils to be transferred quickly and efficiently in a dignified manner, whilst eliminating manual lifting. The systems will be installed in a variety of classrooms and hygiene/changing rooms throughout the school enabling all pupils equal access to the new amenities.

 

The school’s ultra modern hydrotherapy pool will be equipped with the Arjo Mark 1 Pool Lift, providing a safe and comfortable method of transferring pupils from the poolside into the water in an effortless way. The Mark 1 is simple to operate and suits above ground and deck level pools.

 

As Teresa Dervin, Head Teacher at Our Lady’s RC High School explained, “We are thrilled and excited about the opportunities that the new site will offer us and we anticipate going from strength to strength in our new home”.