An appeal has been launched to purchase a 10-seater vehicle for Tor View School in Haslingden, ensuring pupils never miss a sporting opportunity due to transport shortages. Currently, sports coordinator Patrick Bleasdale relies on a school minibus when available, but if it is already in use for other trips or during school swimming mornings, students miss out on representing their school.
Growing participation and partnership
Many events are organized by the Rossendale School Sports Partnership (RSSP) and its games organiser Nathan Bibby. Some events are exclusively for Special Educational Needs (SEN) pupils, while others are open to all schools and competitive. Bleasdale said: “Every event Nathan sends to me and we can attend, is another opportunity for our pupils. Each time, approximately 10 students attend from Key Stage 2 through to 5 and we try to involve as many pupils as we can.” He added: “I just want our pupils to be included in things as I know what opportunities come up for mainstream pupils and it is nice that we are fully able to get involved in them too.”
Dramatic increase in events
Bleasdale, who has worked at the school for 14 years and took over the sports coordinator role three years ago, has overseen a surge in participation. When he started, Tor View attended about 10 outside sporting activities per year; last year, they participated in around 70. Highlights include winning the Lancashire Softball tournament and reaching the regional final (fourth in the North West), finishing joint second in Key Stage 4 and fourth in Key Stage 3 in the Lancashire SEN Football Leagues, and coming second in a tag rugby tournament in Fylde. Pupils also took part in deaf and hard of hearing bowling and curling competitions in Bolton.
Training and community links
Students have been trained as boccia and dodgeball officials, helping to run tournaments. The school has strong links with football clubs: last year, pupils visited Manchester City Academy nine times and participated in the One City Football League, receiving free Manchester City shirts and meeting Lioness Beth Mead shortly after she signed for the team. Another 12 visits are planned for the next academic year, and the school already has 21 football commitments, including Key Stage teams and a girls’ team. Bleasdale said: “We now have links with Burnley Football in the Community and have also been to Manchester United for a football tournament where we lost in the semi-final.”
Impact on pupils
Bleasdale emphasized the enrichment gained: “Our pupils get enrichment from taking part in sporting events and to have SEN pupils involved in the events with other schools removes any stigma.” For the first time this year, the school competed in Foot Golf at Whitworth High alongside mainstream schools. He described the journey: “When the pupils travel to an event, they discuss tactics on the way there and then, on the way back, if they haven’t won, initially they are a bit sombre, then they realise how well they have done and they chat about the event and there is a pride in how they talk.” He expressed gratitude to the RSSP and headteacher Samantha Dillon for their support.
How to help
Anyone wishing to contribute to the vehicle fund can buy raffle tickets for sporting prizes, including signed football shirts, from the school reception at 01706 214640 or via the Tor View School Facebook page. The school is located in Bacup, Rawtenstall and Haslingden, Lancashire.
