A specialist Staffordshire secondary school catering for teenagers with special needs has cut the ribbon on a brand new multi-use sports hall named after a former PE teacher.
Fountains High School in Stretton has now opened its new fully accessible, state-of-the-art £2.5million multi-use hall allowing students with a wide range of disabilities to enjoy sports such as wheelchair basketball in a dedicated space for the first time.
The sports hall and adjoining Multi Use Games Area is the first facility of its kind for the school – the largest secondary run by Esteem Multi-Academy Trust.
It has been named the Helen Almey Sports Centre in memory of a former PE teacher at the school who sadly died in 2020.
On hand to cut the ribbon opening the new facility was executive head teacher Gareth Allen and East Staffordshire Mayor Cllr Kim Smith.
Julian Scholefield, chief executive officer of Esteem Multi Academy Trust, said: “Fountains High School is the largest school in our trust and it has grown year on year. It’s right that a large school such as this one should have a large sports hall so that pupils can benefit from it.”
In the past, pupils at the school have had to make do with a hall that has also been used as a dining facility for their sporting needs.
The new 34.5 metre by 20 metre hall paid for by Esteem has been kitted out with cutting edge features designed for full accessibility including a sprung floor that is strong enough to withstand wheelchairs, a perforated acoustic liner on the ceiling to minimise noise disruption and fully accessible flush doorways.
It has also been fitted with sustainable features such as solar panels and an air source heat pump.
Basketball hoops have been installed at several points round the sides of the hall so it can be used as much as possible.
The opening ceremony included a performance by the school’s signing choir and catering was provided by Coffee Bean, an enterprise café at the school manned by students.
Executive head teacher Gareth Allen said: “We are absolutely delighted with our new sports hall. It’s a huge boost to our school and will be very much enjoyed by all our students who now have a dedicated indoor space for sport for the first time. It’s a lasting tribute to Helen, our former colleague, and a way of remembering her too.”
Alex Hunt, Cabinet Support Member for SEND at Staffordshire County Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see the children enjoying their new sports hall and facilities.
“The modern sports space, fully equipped changing rooms and multi-use games area are not only available to pupils but also the wider community, promoting physical activity and inclusive opportunities for all.
“The project builds on the county council’s previous investment of a four-classroom extension in May 2024, further improving the school’s learning environment and increasing its capacity. It’s part of our wider plans to expand SEND provision and improve existing school facilities right across the county.”
Fountains High School has grown over the years and now has around 250 pupils, all of whom have an Education, Health and Care Plan and a diagnosed learning disability. The school provides tailored support for students aged 11-18 with a range of additional needs.
Esteem Multi-Academy Trust was formed in 2018 and consists of 14 academies across the East and West Midlands.
This story was written and shared on behalf of Esteem Multi Academy Trust by Lucy Stephens. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
