Market Field School minibuses
Donation protected
Market Field School is a special school in Colchester. We cater for the needs of 230 children aged between 4 and 16 years of age with a range of learning difficulties.
Outside learning is a massive part of our weekly schedule and our children participate in a range of activities to help support their social skills, social development, learn how to interact in the wider world, support their gross and fine motor skills and generally just experience opportunities which wouldn't necessarily be available to them elsewhere.
We are incredibly lucky to have 4 17 seater minibuses which are out most days. This means that at any one time, we can have 68 of our young people out and about to experience outside learning.
Last week, 2 of our minibuses had their catalytic convertors stolen. The cost of repairing the damage caused to the buses and replacing the parts has been estimated at £7000. Our insurance premium has risen and our excess has as well.
The impact on our children has been massive. We have had children crying because they couldn't go for their weekly trip, they feel unsafe because there are "bad guys nearby", they are frustrated because they don't understand why we were targeted. We have had to cancel swimming, Forest School, gymnastics, shopping trips and a trip to a Christmas fair this week and are anticipating the disruption continuing into next week.
We are seeking to raise at least £200 to cover the cost of our insurance excess. Our children are so genuine in their appreciation and will be heartened to know that "good guys" outweigh the "bad guys" out there.
Outside learning is a massive part of our weekly schedule and our children participate in a range of activities to help support their social skills, social development, learn how to interact in the wider world, support their gross and fine motor skills and generally just experience opportunities which wouldn't necessarily be available to them elsewhere.
We are incredibly lucky to have 4 17 seater minibuses which are out most days. This means that at any one time, we can have 68 of our young people out and about to experience outside learning.
Last week, 2 of our minibuses had their catalytic convertors stolen. The cost of repairing the damage caused to the buses and replacing the parts has been estimated at £7000. Our insurance premium has risen and our excess has as well.
The impact on our children has been massive. We have had children crying because they couldn't go for their weekly trip, they feel unsafe because there are "bad guys nearby", they are frustrated because they don't understand why we were targeted. We have had to cancel swimming, Forest School, gymnastics, shopping trips and a trip to a Christmas fair this week and are anticipating the disruption continuing into next week.
We are seeking to raise at least £200 to cover the cost of our insurance excess. Our children are so genuine in their appreciation and will be heartened to know that "good guys" outweigh the "bad guys" out there.
Organizer
Ruth Whitehead
Organizer
