Crafty students show off their wares at special needs schools market dayÂ

FOR the past ten years a special needs school has been celebrating the talents of its pupils at an annual market day.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jul 2018, 16:18 BST
Updated 26th Jul 2018, 16:24 BST
Emily Thomas from Southsea, left, is served by Shay Burke, 14 Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-1_baycroft)Emily Thomas from Southsea, left, is served by Shay Burke, 14 Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-1_baycroft)
Emily Thomas from Southsea, left, is served by Shay Burke, 14 Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-1_baycroft)

Baycroft School in Stubbington held its tenth student market day which encourages pupils at the secondary school to create something to sell and develops entrepreneurial skills. 

Headteacher Marjika Miles said: '˜We have run this every year for a decade and all the kids really look forward to it.

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'˜They all work so hard as do the staff to make their products which they get to sell to other students and their friends and family so it is a really lovely day.'

From left, students Travis Underwood and Alfie Wheeler and teacher Alice Houghton. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-2_baycroft)From left, students Travis Underwood and Alfie Wheeler and teacher Alice Houghton. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-2_baycroft)
From left, students Travis Underwood and Alfie Wheeler and teacher Alice Houghton. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-2_baycroft)

Year 10 art students sold their photos and pieces of art while other students created bird boxes.

Marjika said: '˜All the proceeds made from the day go towards a trip to Paultons Park at the end of the year which is a lovely trip for the students to reward them for their hard work.'

Pupil Shay Burke said: '˜I made an art frame and I am really excited to go to Paultons Park with my friends.'

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The school, which has 180 students who have a variety of special needs, usually makes about £1,500 from the event.

Governors Paul Guttman, left, and Ian Kiff. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-4_baycroft)Governors Paul Guttman, left, and Ian Kiff. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-4_baycroft)
Governors Paul Guttman, left, and Ian Kiff. Picture: Ian Hargreaves (180712-4_baycroft)

School governor Kerry Nelson said: '˜This is great way to end the year for the school and it also means we can give the kids extra opportunities and facilities outside of the curriculum.

'˜We have raised money for lots of equipment in the playground and it is really valued by the pupils.'

Kerry has been a governor at Baycroft for four years and joined due to her background in finance and having a family member with a special needs child.

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She added: '˜I have a background which means I can help them with their finances but I also understand the challenges that come with dealing with special needs children and I really felt like because of personal experience with a family member it was a role I could do well in and help other students.

Councillor Pal Hayre, who is a governor at the school, with Chantelle Askew, 15 Picture Ian Hargreaves (180712-3_baycroft)Councillor Pal Hayre, who is a governor at the school, with Chantelle Askew, 15 Picture Ian Hargreaves (180712-3_baycroft)
Councillor Pal Hayre, who is a governor at the school, with Chantelle Askew, 15 Picture Ian Hargreaves (180712-3_baycroft)

Steve Bond is a parent with a child at the school.

He said: '˜There are people here from all types of backgrounds but it is great to see everyone together and raising money for the children and the school.

'˜It also brings the community into the school which is also really important.'

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