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Contractor Henry Brothers has organised a series experiences for pupils at Alfreton Park Community Special School in Derbyshire.
Events have ranged from a birds of prey encounter to hands-on brick laying and plastering demonstrations and tutorials.
Henry Brothers Midlands is currently building a new £13.2m Alfreton Park Community Special School, which will provide a modern, larger purpose-built facility for pupils with special needs and replace out-dated and unsuitable teaching facilities at the school’s existing site.
During the construction phase, Henry Brothers has arranged a string of life-enriching experiences for the students – including insights into the trades involved in building a new school.
Henry Brothers Midlands MD Ian Taylor said: "We have been delighted to organise a number of exciting activities to appeal to the youngsters at Alfreton Park Community Special School. These have ranged from fun encounters like the birds of prey demonstration to insights into the construction sector, with opportunities for the pupils to have a go at some of the trades involved in building. One or two of them really had an aptitude for brick laying and plastering and we hope it’s given them valuable understanding of a work place environment."
Acting head teacher Josie O’Donnell praised Henry Brothers for its commitment to sharing information about the construction process with the youngsters.
She said: "Henry Brothers made the events onsite as inclusive as possible by providing wheelchair access and giving the pupils excellent experiences in brick laying and plastering. The pupils enjoyed handling the tools and materials and were very excited to be onsite having regularly visited as far as the gate to watch the diggers! It’s been a great opportunity for our young people to experience the world of work and supporting raising aspirations for all young people."
The new single-storey building is being constructed on a site adjacent to Alfreton Park, known as Highfield Plantation. The old school will be demolished once the new site is up and running.
