PUPILS are hitting the road in a shiny new bus which has been donated to a special educational needs primary school in Bridgwater.

The £31,000 bus has been funded by the Elizabeth and Prince Zaiger Trust and has replaced Penrose School’s previous vehicle which is passed its best.

The trust teamed up with Variety, to provide the new transport which is officially known as a Variety Sunshine Coach.

Helen Farnell, executive headteacher at the school, said: “(The old bus) has seen a high number of repairs and now needs to retire.

“We are very thankful for the amazing generosity of the Trust, but also to Variety, who have worked hard to ensure that the bus was prepared and delivered to a very tight deadline.

“The bus will be used by the end of this week; the first trip will be our hydro therapy group. 

“After this it will be used daily for our routine trips out including shopping, swimming and enrichment days when we visit places further away, for example, the zoo, museums and adventure parks.”

Bridgwater Mercury:

“Our pupils learn best from practical and contextual situations and they all look forward to learning in the outdoors and off-site, thanks to this new minibus.” 

The Trust unveiled the coach at a special event at the school on Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

Penrose School is a small primary school for children with special educational needs and disabilities, aged four to 11.

The 17-seater minibus, which has a tail lift, will be able to accommodate 15 pupils and two members of staff.

Peter Harvey, of the Trust, said:"We are delighted to be able to significantly contribute to yet another Variety Sunshine Coach. Penrose School, I know, does excellent work and the Trust is very pleased to be able to assist with the provision of this new facility.” 

Variety has been improving the lives of young people who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged, since 1949.  

Monica Smith, Variety’s Trusts Manager, said: “We are very grateful to the Trust for providing Penrose School with a Variety Sunshine Coach. The coach will enable children and young people with special needs to get the most out of school life by accessing learning and recreational facilities outside of the school environment.”