Beckton pupils with special educational needs gifted minibus for school trips

Pupils with special educational needs at a school in Beckton were given a new minibus for school trips.

The bus for North Beckton Primary School pupils, which was given by children's charity Variety and Canary Wharf Contractors Fund. Picture: Micky Lee - Credit: Archant

North Beckton Primary School students were presented with the vehicle last Friday, before taking it on its maiden voyage to an outdoor trampoline centre in Stratford.

The bus was gifted by the Canary Wharf Contractors Fund, who teamed up with children’s charity Variety to buy the coach. It was officially named the Variety Sunshine Coach at its presentation ceremony with CWCF’s chairman, Richard Lines.

Alison Helm, headteacher at North Beckton, said: “We have a number of children who have different special educational needs which can mean using public transport is either a physical impossibility or can be very stressful.

“This coach will mean our vision of inclusivity and equal access in opportunity for all can become a reality.”

There are a further two trips planned before Christmas, which will allow the pupils to take part in debates, sports and outdoor adventure activities.