College students help repaint classroom at Preston disabled school

Three schools across Preston and Chorley have been given a spruce up thanks to students at a city college.

Painting and decorating learners from Preston’s College have been learning on the job and doing good for the schools at the same time.

Four students went to Larches House School in Ashton-on-Ribble, Acorns Primary School in Moor Park and The Brothers of Charity in Whittle-le-Woods.

In larches they painted a large corridor, spruced up the common areas and maintained the doors.

At Acorns school, which delivers education for children with a wide range of learning disabilities, the Preston College students repainted one of the classrooms which was unusable due to its bright colours.

They repaired plasterwork and repainted the walls to a soothing neutral colour.

Preston's College students who did the decorating work — Preston’s College students who did the decorating work

A joiner student also replaced all the classroom cupboards and doors.

Headteacher at the Acorns Gail Beaton said: “The learners from Preston’s College have done a fantastic job. Previously our classrooms were painted in bright colours and we had worn out sink units and cupboards.

“Pupils on the autistic spectrum need a calm and uncluttered learning
environment, neutral tones and areas on the wall to display symbolic timetables and routines.

“This team of fabulously hardworking students have done a fantastic job of repainting the room, cleaning up after themselves and being utterly professional.

“I cannot say how grateful we are for the work and what a wonderful way to use Preston’s College talent to help their local community.”

Curriculum leader for 14 to 19-year-old provision at Preston’s College Phil Parle said: “Our mission is to help our learners develop the skills needed to progress in to employment. We work closely with local organisations to provide ways for learners to put their skills into practice. In this case, we are also supporting the wider community by providing a service they would otherwise struggle to afford.

“Our learners have embraced the opportunities to experience a real life work environment and it is testament to their hard work and professionalism that they have received excellent feedback from all three projects. So much so, they have been asked to return to all locations after being offered other areas to continue with their personal development.”