Springhallow Minibus Appeal

Friends of Springhallow is a registered charity supporting children and young people with autism at Springhallow School and Post 16 college in Ealing.

We are aiming to raise £25,000 to buy a new minibus to enable students to go on educational and recreational trips and outings, learn how to maintain a vehicle, undergo work experience and much more.

Read our full story below:

Springhallow school strives to support students with community engagement. The school and Post 16 has doubled in student numbers in recent years, so the increased opportunities to venture into the community is becoming increasingly challenging as it is impacting on what we can do, when we can do it and where. Our current bus supports opportunities both onsite and offsite, however due to the weight restrictions in place, limitations on who can drive it can present many challenges.

Whilst we do strive for students to use public transport where possible, for some educational visits, this may not be possible. All of our students have a primary diagnosis of autism, therefore for some the distance maybe too far, weather can be a challenge but also staff support on public transport may be limited and we want to ensure all of our students are safe at all times. Having an additional bus that supports students to continue to thrive in their community will benefit their broad and balanced curriculum.

Some examples of how the minibus has been used onsite include work experience when washing/cleaning it, supporting lessons by teaching them how to maintain a vehicle. Off site, students can get to places quickly having less impact on their timetable, but also enjoy opportunities that maybe out of borough. The minibus has been used to transport students on residentials, skiing in Hemel Hemsted, as well as central London locations such as GSK head office and Sky Studios. It may also be used to drop off students quickly at the main site which is located 4 miles away or Greenford Station.

A new minibus that complies with the weight restrictions is invaluable to our curriculum delivery and student opportunities. This bus can also support the needs at both sites, therefore supporting over 160 students engage with their community!