A WORKINGTON primary school has raised funds for a ‘much needed’ facility to support its pupils, with the community rallying around to help make their vision a reality.

In January 2024, Westfield Primary School started to raise funds for a sensory room in school.

Over the past few years, the school has seen an increase in pupils attending with additional needs, and the school felt a sensory room would be a great addition to not only children with special educational needs but all pupils as a ‘space for calm, regulation and reflection’.

To kickstart fundraising efforts for the new room, the school sent out a request through their school communications asking parents if they were able to help.

Kirsty Brash replied to the request immediately and along with her father-in-law Darren Cherry and the rest of their family, raised over £6,000 towards the sensory room, which Kirsty’s son Oliver accesses daily.

Children playing in the 'much needed' sensory room Children playing in the 'much needed' sensory room (Image: Supplied)

Cheryl Sanderson, SENDCO and acting assistant headteacher, said: “Kirsty’s son Oliver and daughter Ella both attend our setting; Oliver accesses the sensory room daily and loves to watch the lights, play with the equipment and listen to his favourite story on the Tonie Box in the room.

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“Kirsty and Darren have sold wristbands to raise awareness of SEND; held online DJ nights and organised a music festival during the summer. They have also contacted various organisations on our behalf – we cannot thank them enough.”

The room provides pupil with a space for calm and quiet.The room provides pupil with a space for calm and quiet. (Image: Supplied)The school has also thanked a number of other donors who have contributed to the fundraising. These include: The Ritz Cinema, Parkways Cinema, Fusion Trampoline Park, Oilys, The Old Ginn House, Westcoast Competitions, Crafty Workshop, The Rack Shack, Beauty and Lashes by Ashleigh, Caspian Kebabs, Car Spa, Window Tint West, V’s Tearoom, Maryport Aquarium, Hotwoks, Cumbria Travel, Jacobs, Galloping Horse, Little Angels, Sellafield and Tesco.

And it doesn’t stop there, the school have now moved onto fundraising to create a sensory garden to be used by all pupils.

Cheryl said: “Kirsty and her family again have been a huge help with this and alongside Workington Falcons FC have already raised £600 from a charity bingo at the weekend.”

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