
On Wednesday afternoons the pupils visit Steep Primary School, and Hollywater School for children with learning difficulties. Dunhurst pupils participate in a range of learning activities with the children, supporting reading and their play. The Programme runs every term, and each pupil is expected to do one term of Community Service during their two years as a Block pupil.
The community service programme is a fantastic opportunity for children to see the world outside the school and play a role in supporting and helping other people. The children very much enjoy taking part and become confident volunteers with valuable team work skills.
Mrs Clancey, teacher at Hollywater School, said: "The pupils at Hollywater have very complex needs and communication is often very difficult for them to understand or express. Dunhurst pupils have worked enthusiastically with the children, adapted to various roles - played games, helped create resources, acted and helped the children to access stories in a multi-sensory way as well as being sensitive to the pupils' needs. Our children have enjoyed their company."
This is what four helpers at Hollywater have to say about their experience.