As schools across the UK face increased financial pressure due to budget cuts, it can be difficult for educational establishments to ensure that a high level of service is maintained.
This is particularly true of institutions which cater for children with physical and learning disabilities, due to the increased cost of specialist equipment.
Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, is a fine example of a school facing such challenges. The school has undertaken a number of recent projects over the last few years to promote its status as a specialist sports college, including building a customised cycling path around the perimeter of the school’s playfield and the development of a new swimming pool, which features bathroom facilities designed to meet the requirements of the children.
As part of the bathroom installations, local independent living solutions provider AKW – based in Droitwich Spa – has donated one of its award-winning Luda electric showers to help deliver a stylish and practical showering solution to the children. The school and AKW have formed a close relationship over the past year, with Chadsgrove School participating in the company’s sponsorship programme of para-cycling athlete Jon-Allan Butterworth, who collected three silvers in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Children at the school competed in a ‘Design a Mascot’ competition for the athlete, who also officially launched an internal cycling proficiency course.
The Luda offers the perfect solution for those with special requirements when showering. RNIB accredited – confirming its suitability for an extensive range of disabilities and visual impairments – the Luda includes clearly labelled tactile buttons to ensure the shower is easy to operate. It also features audio feedback to provide partially-sighted users, of which there are approximately 20 at Chadsgrove School, with complete control over the power, temperature and water flow settings.
Features such as an advanced thermostatic control system ensure that the shower does not exceed 41°C in temperature. The Luda is a fully-waterproof IP45 rated shower unit that carries a comprehensive BEAB Care approval. The flexibility of the Luda also enables it to be installed at any height, safely and securely.
The shape of the shower is tapered at the base to give more space in the enclosure for any seated users, while its adjustable shower head, soap dish and shelf means the height can be altered to suit the needs of each individual child. The installation also includes a riser rail, doubling as a grab rail, capable of supporting up to 130kg of weight.
Children at Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College are benefitting from AKW’s Luda electric shower.
Liz Morgan, deputy head teacher of Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College, said: “Donations such as the Luda electric shower from AKW really do make a huge difference to the children’s day-to-day lives. Our newly built swimming pool has proved to be a huge success and the kids are really enthusiastic about using it, so it’s great to know that we have an electric shower installed that is purposely designed to meet the requirements of those with specialist needs.”
Joanna Marston of AKW added: “We are delighted that the children at Chadsgrove School are so happy with their new Luda shower. We pride ourselves on high quality solutions that really make a difference to people’s lives, and the Luda shower helps achieve this.”
