The challenge!

Our names are Luke McNamara (Vice Principal at OPA Park Hill) and Chris Rigby (Primary SEND Director) and we plan to row on 2 rowing machines simultaneously for 72 kilometres (length of the River Calder) on Thursday 27 May after the end of the school day. We are committed to this challenge so that we can fundraise for a multi-purpose sensory room to be developed at Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill.

Why are sensory rooms so important?

We understand now more than ever that the classroom can create many sensory triggers for certain pupils which can lead to overload, dysregulation and ultimately manifest into meltdown or shutdown. Subsequently, for some of our pupils this can have a huge impact on their ability to learn whilst also disrupting and affecting the learning rights of their peers. A dedicated sensory room would be an invaluable resource for many pupils attending OPA Park Hill, especially for our high need pupils with ASD and ADHD, but also a number of pupils with Social Emotional and Mental Health needs. To be able to access a therapeutic space to regulate throughout their day, would be of great benefit.