Beneficiaries

Tandems are twice the fun

Pupils are pedalling like mad after receiving a helping hand from the Sunshine Fund.

Many of the pupils at Hilltop School suffer from moderate to severe learning disabilities. Some pupils with severe autism struggle to understand the concept of danger, so the school applied to the Sunshine Fund for a grant to purchase tandem bikes, so that staff could ride alongside, and the children could still enjoy riding a bike.

Teacher Louise Coulson said: “They are ideal as the group we have are teenage boys and girls but they have little sense of danger and find it hard to communicate.

“The tandem bikes mean they can get out and enjoy themselves safely. A member of staff rides with them so we can ensure their safety while they enjoy the exercise and fresh air.

The tandem bikes will also be used by the Adventurer’s Club, which takes place after school. Mr Thompson who runs the club explained to us, “It is open to everyone in the school. They do lots of various activities and go on educational visits. He added, “Because of the Adventurers Club, the children get the chance to get out on the bikes after school hours, which is really beneficial as it gives them even more freedom.”


Back